Rotary Kiama again hosted a successful visit by the Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) recently.This Van is a modern mobile clinic, sponsored by Rotary and operated by an experienced registered nurse. It offered a free opportunity for residents to have a health screen without judgement and without having to make an appointment. Last year, the van was in Kiama for one wet and windy day, but 55 members of the public were seen. This time, around 140 residents took the opportunity for a health check, and several of the attendees were urged to see their GP after receiving the results of their screening process.The free service was offered in a relaxed, confidential and informal setting, screening for blood pressure as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The nurse also provided general health advice as well as recommending more formal health action if required. The MHERV is operated by the Rotary Club of Warners Bay in collaboration with local NSW Rotary clubs and Kiama Rotary members have hosted the van in the town on several occasions.The MHERV Project has been operating for over six years, travelling regional and rural NSW to offer free health check-ups to people who haven’t seen the inside of a doctor’s room since they don’t remember when.  In that time, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels may have reached seriously high levels and there may be no symptoms … until it’s too late and a heart attack or stroke strikes.Kiama Rotary president Phil Whyte said the club was pleased by the public response to the free testing clinic. “We hope to have the MHERV van visit Kiama again in the near future to continue this wonderful and effective free public heath improvement program.”  

For the 20th year in a row, the Disabled Surfers Association South Coast held its annual event at Gerroa last Sunday.A highlight in their “surfing season” calendar, the event — which sold out in three days when spots opened — saw 50 surfers take to the waves, supported by an influx of volunteers and spectators.Despite a successful day in the surf, event goers experienced an unfortunate backwash: parking fines.“The day after, we were contacted by a volunteer to inform us that a number of our volunteers had received parking tickets,” says Ian Picton, president of DSA South Coast.“One of the families - a mother and three young kids - had come down to volunteer. When they went back to the car after a fabulous day, they had a $330 fine. It’s heartbreaking.”After reaching out to affected volunteers, Picton received a number of photographs of the offending vehicles parked along Crooked River Road.“I've seen the photos [of the parked cars], and these people weren't parking dangerously,” says Picton.“They weren't parking in the middle of the road. They weren't blocking anyone's access to their properties.”He claims there was no clear signage telling people that parking was prohibited.After his initial interview with The Bugle, Picton was surprised to receive a phone call from Kiama Council informing him that the fines had been revoked.“I just had a phone call to say all parking tickets issued for our event will be revoked,” he says.“It’s great news. I don't like the idea of our volunteers having parking fines hanging over their heads.”If the parking fines had stood, it may have led to Gerroa being bumped off next season’s calendar.“There is another area in the Shellharbour district that we may be able to move to [next year],” says Picton.“It has better facilities, better parking, but not as good a beach outcrop.”A spokesperson said Council was committed to community education around parking fines, such as knocking on doors to ask people to move their cars, and that only two parking fines were handed out to members of the DSA crew.The Disabled Surfers Association was established in 1986 by Gary Blaschke after a motorcycle accident in which he lost his kneecap and underwent extensive rehabilitation.There was a buzz when the DSA announced its schedule in June, with a lengthy waiting list for the Gerroa event.

Residents in Nowra officially now have access to extended hours, bulk-billed urgent care with the opening of the federally-funded Nowra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.Located at 107 Scenic Drive, the clinic is now open seven days a week and does not require appointments.Patients can walk in for treatment of conditions that require urgent attention but are not life-threatening, including cuts, viral infections, or sprained ankles.The new clinic is expected to ease pressure on the busy Shoalhaven Hospital, where around 51 per cent of presentations in 2024–25 were for semi-urgent or non-urgent conditions.Data from the NSW Bureau of Health indicates that Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across the state are reducing demand on hospitals.Semi-urgent emergency department presentations have dropped by 5.1 per cent, while non-urgent presentations have fallen by 8.7 per cent.There are now 36 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics operating across NSW, part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure four out of five Australians live within a 20-minute drive of a local clinic.Since the first clinic opened in June 2023, more than 2.6 million presentations have been recorded nationwide, including over 542,500 in New South Wales.In the state, more than one in four patients were under 15 years old, over one in four visits occurred on weekends, and more than one in five were after-hours weekday visits.The Nowra clinic has been commissioned by the South Eastern New South Wales Primary Health Network.Minister Butler said, “We’re delivering on our promise to open more Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in New South Wales.This new clinic will be open seven days a week, for extended hours and most importantly patients will be fully bulk billed.This new data shows Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are taking the pressure off New South Wales hospitals and making sure patients can get the care they need when they need it.”Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips added: “This clinic will make a real difference for locals by providing convenient, bulk billed urgent care right here in the heart of Nowra.The opening of the clinic is a huge win for our community, taking the pressure off the emergency department at Shoalhaven Hospital.In my community petition, and during the election campaign, hundreds of people told me how desperately this service was needed in Nowra.I promised to deliver this important service for our community and I’m so thrilled it has been delivered, and the doors are now open.”The Nowra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic represents a significant step in improving access to urgent healthcare in the region and supporting local hospitals.

The Federal Government is investing $600,000 to monitor and restore saltmarshes and riparian habitat across three locations on the South Coast.At least 60 hectares of coastal saltmarsh and associated threatened ecological communities on the Clyde River at Batemans Bay, Burrill Lake and Lake Illawarra will benefit from the program.The project will be led by OzFish, and includes weed removal, planting native species, community workshops and events, debris removal and ecosystem health assessments.It will engage at least 100 local OzFish members and volunteers, allowing the community to contribute to meaningful environmental restoration and fostering community stewardship.Whitlam MP Carol Berry said saltmarshes play an important role in keeping the local environment healthy. “The Local Environmental Projects Program will give local volunteers the support they need to continue their long‑standing work to restore and protect this fragile habitat.”Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips was thrilled to hook in with OzFish.“Being a coastal electorate, our local waterways are so important to our community.“We have many community groups engaged with keeping our waterways clean, and I am pleased to support OzFish, so that local volunteers can help maintain our important saltmarshes in the Clyde River and Burrill Lake.”Whitlam MP Carol Berry at Lake Illawarra.Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the Government was “investing in projects that encourage local communities to connect and care for nature, empowering Australians to achieve improved outcomes for the environment around the country”.“This funding will deliver meaningful action to conserve, protect and sustainably manage saltmarshes along the NSW South Coast."

Kiama, Shellharbour and the Shoalhaven have been identified as three of the 11 “game changer” locations by Business Illawarra in the mission to unlock housing supply. With the Illawarra and South Coast facing a critical shortage in available accommodation, Business Illawarra commissioned detailed, region-specific research into affordable and key worker housing.The lack of available options has been identified as a barrier that undermines workforce attraction, business expansion and essential services. Business Illawarra has released its “Homes for Workers 2026 Policy Report”, calling for urgent action to ensure workers can live locally and businesses can continue to grow.Kiama, Shellharbour, Calderwood, Bomaderry and the Nowra CBD have been nominated as key locations that require coordinated government action to deliver homes across the region, along with Bellambi, Gwynneville, West Dapto, Mittagong East, Wilton and Milton-Ulladulla.Business Illawarra director Coralie McCarthy said the report urged for immediate NSW Government investment and planning reform.Coralie McCarthy. She said housing availability had become one of the most significant obstacles to workforce recruitment, retention and regional economic growth. “Workers need somewhere to live. Without housing, businesses can’t grow - it’s that simple,” she said.Among the report’s recommendations are: the establishment of a multi-year, cross-government infrastructure program to deliver roads, utilities and services that unlock zoned land. aligning Transport for NSW planning and funding with housing growth so transport infrastructure is identified early, prioritised transparently and delivered promptly.Transform Nowra CBD to accelerate rezonings, coordinate state investment and unlock housing that strengthens its role as a regional centre.Accelerate growth planning and rezoning in Milton-Ulladulla, balancing local character with the housing needed to support growth.Rezone places of worship to enable faith-based organisations to deliver affordable housing on land they own through more flexible zoning and planning controls.Fast-track student accommodation delivery through clear policy recognition to ease rental pressure, unlock supply and improve housing system efficiency.Enable modern modular and manufactured housing by updating definitions, planning controls and approvals. Allow second homes on rural land for family, ageing parents or essential workers, supporting farming operations while protecting productive land from subdivision.Prioritise social and affordable housing as critical workforce infrastructure on government land, including Bellambi, Gwynneville and Bomaderry-Nowra.Reform seniors housing planning controls to improve viability, unlock supply and support ageing in place, freeing up family homes and easing pressure across the system.Reforming land tax settings that disproportionately impact small, local investors in regional areas, helping retain long-term rental housing for local workers and stabilise the regional housing system.Recognise childcare as critical economic infrastructure.McCarthy said the number of women aged 25–44 in employment in the region has almost doubled over the past five years, “yet more than 70% of local families remain in a childcare desert”.“In some areas, there are three young children for every one childcare place. “Childcare is now a frontline workforce issue, housing and access to essential services must go hand-in-hand if we want people to be able to work.” The NSW Government announced earlier this week that $270 million would be invested in roads and transport links to strengthen the Illawarra as a critical economic gateway for the state.Transport Minister John Graham said port operations at Bays West in Sydney and long-term freight and industrial capacity at Glebe Island would be transferred to Port Kembla, which will become the hub for the state’s future trade and freight network. The Government is embarking on one of the world’s largest land transformation projects with the rezoning of BlueScope’s 200 hectares of surplus land in Port Kembla which Graham said would support up to 20,000 jobs on top of the more than 10,000 jobs supported by the steelworks. Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said the investment package would “deliver the key roads and transport infrastructure we need to unlock limitless opportunity for growth in the region”. The NSW Liberal Party is conducting a forum in Gerringong later this month to address the housing issue in the region.Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Chris Rath will address the South Coast Housing Forum: Housing, Community and the Future of Our Region at Mercure Gerringong on 27 March. Former Shoalhaven City Deputy Mayor Paul Ell will be the emcee for the event with Fountaindale Group co-owner Jennifer Macquarie, Huskisson Hotel Group director Steve Bartlett and Shelter NSW CEO John Engeler among the other guest speakers.

Between bunches of kale and takeaway coffees, a different kind of exchange was taking place.The R U OK? Conversation Convoy set up at Kiama’s farmers market on Wednesday, encouraging locals to check in on friends, family and colleagues who might be struggling with life’s pressures.R U OK? representative Annabel Bowman said the initiative is designed to meet people where they are, rather than relying on them to seek out formal services.“We’re really trying to meet locals where they’re at,” Bowman said. “Not everybody wants to go to a service or a public health centre, so we’re bringing the conversation to them.”Bowman said research shows regular check-ins – not just on the official R U OK? Day – build trust and make it more likely that someone will open up when they are struggling.“It’s asking often and early, before little things turn into big things,” she said.She added that a common misconception is that the conversation only matters on R U OK? Day, held this year on 10 September.“We want people to ask R U OK? any day of the year. When we have these conversations regularly, we build trust,” Bowman said.“It can seem like a simple conversation, but at times it can be daunting and we just really want to empower people with confidence.”Bowman outlined three key areas to notice when deciding whether to check in: what a person says, how they behave, and what is happening in their life.“They might express unusual hopelessness, say they’re constantly tired, withdraw from activities, or appear different than usual,” she said.“Or they could be navigating a significant stressor such as illness, a relationship breakdown or financial pressures.”While many feel nervous about asking the question, Bowman said most people who are asked feel grateful.“They feel heard, supported and seen,” she said. “The nervousness is normal – but once you’ve had the conversation, there’s often a sense of relief.”Bowman emphasised that authenticity is key.“The most important factor is you do it with authenticity,” she said. “Make time, make space, ask because you care and the person being asked will know that you're someone safe to open up to.”Face-to-face conversations are best because they allow subtle body language and tone to be observed, but Bowman encourages phone calls or messages if meeting in person isn’t possible.Market manager Tricia Ashelford said the event reinforced a sense of community.“We love having community groups here – It’s about connecting with the community at the end of the day,” Ashelford said. “That’s what we love about our farmers market – it’s for locals.”She praised the collaboration with headspace and other organisations.“People want to contribute back to making the community a better place,” Ashelford said.Founded in 2009 by Gavin Larkin after he lost his father to suicide, R U OK? has grown into a national suicide prevention charity that helps Australians recognise when someone might be struggling and respond appropriately.For free resources and conversation guides, visit ruok.org.au.

“Trust the process,” says Jemma Carson as she gently taps out a rhythm on her drum. “Breathe in time with the beat.”While breathing is something we do automatically, many of us are doing it wrong, explains the founder of Thrive Wellness, a holistic health business specialising in breathwork. After experiencing the benefits of breathwork first-hand, Jemma set up Thrive Wellness to help others learn the life-changing impact of “breathing properly".“Most people breathe too fast and too shallow,” says Jemma.“This signals to the body that it is in a state of stress and continues to compound any anxiety that they are already feeling.“Low, slow through the nose, that’s how we should all breathe, we need to train ourselves to relax more.”That’s exactly what Jemma did five years ago after a series of life hurdles, including a relationship breakdown, left her anxious and stressed.“I had been dealing with a lot so I began exploring meditation and ways to calm my nervous system,” she explains.“I came across breathwork and started exploring wellness practices and I immediately felt more connected to myself, more grounded and calm.”Learning to breathe properly was so life changing that Jemma began studying the art of breathwork. After completing her masters in the skill she started her own business to help others learn how to breathe. “It has helped me so much I wanted to share it with others,” explains Jemma.“I loved seeing the transformation in other people as well as myself.”A study of more than 11,500 people who practised breathwork for nine weeks showed improvements in mental and emotional well-being, with a more than 20 per cent increase in focus, sleep and calmness and a 40 per cent or more drop in anxiety, fatigue and depression.“People say take a deep breath for a reason,” explains Jemma. “It is an expression that is thousands of years old because taking a deep breath really works, it resets our nervous system.”Jemma says one of her biggest challenges in explaining healing breathwork is that it’s experiential. “It’s difficult to fully articulate how it feels,” she says. “It’s something that truly needs to be practiced to understand its depth and impact.”Jemma practises what she preaches and now, after years of study, spends just five minutes everyday gaining the benefits of breathwork.“In today’s world, most of us are constantly caught up in our day-to-day lives and rarely allow ourselves time to be still,” says Jemma.“When we finally create space to slow down and breathe intentionally, we often realise just how much we’ve been holding onto beneath the surface.“Breathwork is especially powerful for people who struggle with traditional meditation, as it gives busy minds something active to focus on rather than sitting and trying not to think.“Breathwork helps people drop into a grounded, meditative state much more quickly and naturally."Along with being a qualified breathwork instructor, Jemma is also an integrated neuro linguistic programming (NLP) practitioner. Using NLP, Jemma teaches clients how to make positive changes in attitude, emotional responses, communication and relationships.“I am dedicated to helping people achieve profound transformation and personal growth,” says Jemma. “I also provide one-on-one life coaching, ice bath sessions, and wellness retreats and workshops for private and corporate events.”For more information visit the Thrive Wellness website at thrivewellness.net.au.

Kiama Surf Life Saving Club will host a special “Pink Patrol” on Sunday in recognition of International Women’s Day, with female members filling every operational role on the beach.The patrol will feature women serving as Patrol Captains, IRB Drivers and Crew, Advanced Resuscitation Certificate holders, and Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate holders. Male members, described as “Male Champions”, have also been invited to attend for part or all of the shift in support of the initiative.The idea was instigated by club member Denita Smee, who said the concept came to her while on patrol during the COVID period.“I was on patrol one day with one of our female captains and realised we could actually have a full contingent of females with the required tickets to run a volunteer patrol,” Smee said. “We thought – let’s do it.”The Pink Patrol has been opened to all qualified female volunteer members, including those who have progressed through nippers and recently earned their Surf Rescue Certificates.Its aims are to celebrate women past and present in surf lifesaving, increase the number of women on patrol, promote training and operational development opportunities, highlight leadership pathways and encourage women to gain new skills and awards. The timing reflects more than a century of evolving female involvement at the club.Early records show women were members of Kiama Surf Club as far back as 1912, primarily in fundraising and support roles, and assisting with nippers. Nationally, women were not permitted to gain their Bronze Medallions or join mixed-gender patrols until Surf Life Saving Australia reversed its policy on July 1, 1980. Kiama formally integrated women as active award members in the 1980/81 season.In 1984, Kim Taber became the club’s first female “Clubman of the Year”.On Sunday, several qualified female Patrol Captains – the senior role responsible for beach operations – will lead the patrol, supported by a newly qualified female IRB Driver, IRB Crew and members with advanced resuscitation credentials, meeting all requirements of a standard volunteer patrol.Members will wear pink to ensure the patrol is easily recognisable. The day coincides with a nippers swim from Kendall’s Beach to Surf Beach, offering younger members the opportunity to see women undertaking every aspect of beach operations – from coordinating radios and first aid to managing the IRB.With the Pink Patrol both honours the women who helped shape the club and highlights the growing presence of women across all areas of surf lifesaving at Kiama – the day is sure to be a splash. 

Over the past few months, Kiama Council has been reviewing how we deliver some of our core services, including waste collection.Good councils don’t stand still. As our community grows and changes, so should the way we deliver services.That means regularly asking: is this still working the way it should?From July 2026, yellow-lid recycling bins will move from weekly to fortnightly collection.Importantly, nothing changes until then. There is plenty of notice. And we will provide clear reminders and updated collection information well ahead of time.Why the change?Quite simply:Most yellow recycling bins are only about half full when they’re put out. It’s a waste of time and money to collect half-empty binsOne third of households don’t put their yellow bins out every week at all.It’s been a decade since we updated the driver routes and collection days. We have grown, and the service needs review.We’re always seeking more efficient and sustainable ways to operate.It’s worth remembering that Kiama doesn’t process waste locally. All recycling and general waste is transported outside our area, mostly to Sydney.I do want everyone to know our local waste team remains and continues to do a terrific job every day.Fortnightly recycling is already standard practice across many neighbouring councils, and Kiama residents are already familiar with fortnightly general waste (red bin) collections.Change isn’t easy. Now you know why we are changing, we will keep talking to you, keep you up to date, and remind you.We will continue sharing information over the coming months so everyone feels prepared and ready for this change.For more details, visit kiama.nsw.gov.au/waste-2026.On a different note, I want to acknowledge the Kiama Rugby Sevens, which occurred last weekend, celebrating its 54th year.Council is proud to support this iconic local event, which brings energy, visitors and community spirit to our town.I hope you managed to be part of the action.Please note - this is paid content

This week's edition of The Bugle is filled with a range of local news and views from our South Coast community.Our main story details a worrying trend with online scammers targeting local senior citizens.CLICK HERE TO READ OUR DIGITAL EDITIONWe also bring you the story of the rise in homeschooling in the South Coast due to a range of factors.There is also all the reaction from Council's decision to reject a development application at Fillmores, an update on the local housing scene and the sad news of two men drowning at local beaches on the weekend.You can also read plenty of other community stories about how to thrive with your breathing, the Sounds of Jazz and Blues weekend, the Kiama Sea Shanty Club and a column from Mayor Cameron McDonald.In sport, we bring you the latest on South Coast cricket, Hamish Stewart starring for the Dragons and a record crowd at the 54th Kiama Rugby Sevens last Saturday.And don't miss John Gabriele's video on our YouTube channel with the best advice from the garden.The paper is available from all the usual outlets around the Kiama local government area - grab yours before it's too late.

Kiama Council’s recent decision to refuse the Fillmore’s development application - an initiative that would have allowed the venue to operate as a bar and restaurant and improve its viability through extended operating hours - has struck a nerve across the community. What makes the decision particularly contentious is not merely the outcome, but the apparent disregard for the overwhelming public support recorded during the public exhibition and submissions process. When hundreds of people line up in favour of an idea meant to revitalise the town’s cultural, economic and nighttime ecosystem, the question arises: whose interest, exactly, does “public interest” represent? The Fillmore’s proposal was no fringe experiment - indeed, Council’s refusal is the latest in a long line of tete-a-tetes between Fillmore’s and Council. After accepting they had breached Council’s noise controls, Fillmore’s embarked upon a development application to restore local live music to a post-pandemic landscape still straining for colour and connection. In a town built on the draw of its coastal charm and village vibrancy, supporters saw live performance not as noise, but as activation - both cultural and commercial. Community sentiment reflected an understanding of development, arts and the local economy as a living process, not simply bricks and decibels.Yet Council cited quite a list of community concerns ranging from noise, compliance, safety, waste management, signage, "concealment and ambush opportunities", and inconsistencies with the objective of the local zoning, and opted to refuse the application. There is, of course, a legitimate role for caution in planning and development decisions. These are decisions that when made, are almost impossible to reverse and regulation ensures growth remains consistent with local character. But when "public interest" is deployed as a veto rather than a balancing test, it risks becoming a shield against change rather than a tool for inclusive progress.Public interest is not a static concept. It evolves with the community that defines it. In this case, the submissions process - meant as a democratic mechanism for gauging sentiment - offered rare (almost) unanimity. The refusal, despite this consensus, suggests an institutional disconnect between procedural decision-making and lived community aspiration. Or perhaps is there something more sinister at play?Last August, Council applied for and received $200,000 of State Government (taxpayer) money to establish a “Special Entertainment Precinct”. At the time, Mayor Cameron McDonald said the grant was a "fantastic opportunity to support live music, strengthen our hospitality sector, and give visitors and locals more reasons to enjoy Kiama after dark". On the face of it, the refusal of the DA seems completely inconsistent with this grant.Otherwise, where else is this "special entertainment" supposed to occur, if not on Manning Street, in the centre of town? Council’s rejection may technically align with planning controls, but culturally, it appears to step against the rhythm of its own residents and its own NSW Government-sponsored aspirations. Social media is alight with dozens of people expressing their shock, disbelief and anger at this outcome where it’s been reported that 92% of public submissions were in support of the proposal. In our fair town, we’re used to the opposite, so it does make us think – who is the public, and has their interest been served?

At 62, Rose Leamon is still setting the pace.The long-time ocean swimmer stunned herself - and much of the field - by winning her age category at this year’s Coal Classic 5km ocean swim, also finishing ninth overall among all female competitors.“I honestly thought if I was lucky, I’d be battling for third or fourth,” Leamon said.Last year, she missed the podium by a fraction, finishing fourth by just one-hundredth of a second. This time, she stood on top of it.“I’m blown away,” she said. “It was unexpected, but I’m absolutely delighted.”The win marks her third of the year, just the previous weekend she won the 60 Plus race at the 2.2km Mollymook Ocean Swim, while on 8 February she led the pack home in the 60 Plus category of the North Bondi Classic 2km event.Leamon has been swimming most of her life. Raised on a farm in northern New South Wales, she joined swim squads at 11 and never really stopped - apart from a decade-long break after moving to Sydney for her first job.It was in her late 20s that she discovered ocean swimming, encouraged by former Olympian and coach Graham Brewer to take her pool fitness into the surf.“At that time, ocean swimming as a sport was still developing. There was no peak body, and only about 10 Sydney beaches hosted swims, mostly as surf club fundraisers,” she said.“I was 29 when I did my first event - the Palm Beach to Whale Beach swim, about 2.5 kilometres - and I’ve never stopped since. I fell in love with it straight away.”Unlike pool swimming, which centres on short, explosive races, the ocean offered rhythm and continuity - no tumble turns, no lane ropes, just open water and steady pace.“I like continuous swimming. Just getting into a rhythm and getting lost in the moment,” she said. “It feels nurturing - like being enveloped in a big hug.”Rose at the North Bondi Classic. Photo: Gerringong Surf ClubNow a member of the Werri Point Swimmers in Gerringong, Leamon has been so enthusiastic about the support she’s received from the group.“The group is wonderfully supportive. Most members swim for enjoyment, saltwater immersion and connection rather than competition, but they’re incredibly encouraging of those of us who race,” she said.The Coal Classic was one of her main goals of the season and in addition to winning her over-50 age category, Leamon’s ninth-place overall female finish was particularly meaningful given the event’s broad age divisions.“They only have two categories - under 50 and over 50 - and I’m 62,” she said. “So to come ninth overall was a real surprise.”While the podium finish was a thrill, it’s clear what keeps her returning to the water.“It’s the community, the rhythm, the ocean,” she said. “I just love it.”Next on Rose’s list is The Captain Christie at Werri Beach on 18 April.

There was music, laughter and even a little Elton John drifting through Gerringong Library and Museum this week as Marilyn Martin led a lively Joyous Movement session for Seniors Festival.Thirteen people – including one brave gentleman – turned up for what Martin describes as “a taster of all different aspects” of her work. That meant everything from singing bowls and meditation to qigong stretches, chair yoga, balance work and, of course, dancing.“I’ve got a fairly big toolkit,” Martin said. “I can draw on it to work with people at different levels.”Participants were encouraged to work to their own abilities, with options offered throughout. “You have to take people a little beyond their comfort zone,” she said. “That way you learn, you grow.”At one point, partners worked together to upbeat music, focusing on coordination and cooperation.“One woman said it was the first time she’d held hands like that since COVID,” Martin said. “It’s about supporting each other.”A veteran of the original Life. Be in it. campaign in the 1980s, Marilyn still lives by its catchcry: “Move it, don’t lose it.”She says dance in particular is powerful – good for cognitive ability, fitness and social connection all at once. “It’s not just about copying. You have to think. You have to use your brain.”The session finished the way all good mornings should – chairs pushed back for a dance to Don’t Worry, Be Happy. Marilyn runs regular “Sit, Stand - Be Fit!” on Wednesdays and Dancercise on Thursdays (except for the first week of the month) at the Berry Uniting Church Hall. More information can be found here: https://marilynmartin.com.au/ 

RSL NSW acting president, Brigadier Vince Williams, will visit Shoalhaven Heads as part of a statewide Listening Tour aimed at securing the future of local sub-branches and veteran support services.Membership has increased by more than 200 per cent since 2015 and the average age of members is falling, and services supporting veterans and their families have expanded significantly across the state. RSL NSW is also confronting serious challenges. Across NSW, many local sub-branches are under financial and operational pressure. Rising costs, ageing infrastructure, uneven access to resources and increasing compliance demands mean that without change, some communities risk losing local veteran support in the years ahead.Brigadier Williams and the RSL NSW leadership team will meet with representatives from sub-branches across Berry, Bowral, Braidwood, Bundanoon, Corrimal, Austinmer, Shoalhaven Heads, Bomaderry, Callala Beach, Crookwell, Coledale, Culburra Beach, Gerringong, Huskisson, Kiama-Jamberoo, Ulladulla, Moss Vale, Nowra, Sussex Inlet, Warilla, Albion Park, Goulburn, Wollongong and Bulli.The Bugle recently reported that Gerringong RSL is facing an uncertain future as membership in the town dwindles.The listening tour is designed to meet directly with the veteran volunteers who make up the grassroots membership of the state’s leading ex-service organisation. “Our network of more than 300 sub-Branches is on the frontline supporting veterans and their families in cities and towns right across NSW,” he said.“They are where veterans connect, where wellbeing support begins, and where service and sacrifice are honoured at a community level. "Protecting that local presence is one of the most important responsibilities of this organisation.”The Listening Tour sessions will give members a direct voice in shaping RSL NSW’s next Strategic Plan. Discussions focus on what is working well locally, what support is needed, and what must change to ensure long-term sustainability for veteran services across the state.“This is not about imposing solutions from Sydney,” Williams said.“It’s about listening carefully, understanding local realities, and making sure the decisions we take as a League strengthen sub-branches rather than weaken them.”Williams said the future of RSL NSW depends on honest conversations and a willingness to modernise, while remaining true to the organisation’s purpose.“The Returned & Services League has been part of Australian communities for generations,” he said.“If we want it to remain strong for the next generation of veterans, we need to adapt together. That starts with listening.”

Kiama Council has responded to widespread community backlash over last week’s refusal of the development application at Manning Street cafe Fillmore’s.The venue is seeking to expand its operations to trade as a bar and restaurant later into evenings.However, Council staff rejected the application, citing a range of issues behind the decision, including noise concerns and impact on existing developments.Council issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging there had been plenty of community support for the development proposal but “unfortunately the development application as it stands was unable to be approved after detailed assessment by staff”.The report compiled by Council officers identified valid land use planning issues relating to pedestrian and public safety, land encroachment, access, lack of laneway right of use, acoustic impacts and compliance with applicable planning and regulatory requirementsCouncil said it was committed to working through issues and maintaining open lines of communication with Fillmore’s.“Community submissions, for and against, were also considered and do form part of the assessment process, however, Council staff must consider a wide range of statutory and planning matters.“Unfortunately, the application did not adequately address these issues at the submission and assessment stages and was therefore unable to be approved.”The Council statement added that “staff undertake their roles in good faith and in accordance with delegations and statutory obligations.“Planning decisions are not personal, they are based on land use and statutory considerations. Council respects the right of community members to have views and reactions to decisions whether they support or disagree with the decision.”Fillmore’s owner Morgan Lewis has received plenty of support from local residents after posting on social media his disappointment at Council’s decision “despite a ‘record number of submissions’ from the community and 92% of those being in support of our application”.“This has come as a shock to all of us & we were inundated over the weekend with support & complete confusion from our community.“Fillmore's has become such an integral part of our town and plays such a big role much more broadly as a cultural hub & key component for touring musicians.“We worked tirelessly with the (Council) team for the past 14 months, attending 4 official meetings and 2 site meetings where we welcomed any issues raised and our consultants addressed them, adding necessary reports to support the application.“Every meeting there was a new list longer than the last and every list comes with a large bill as we continue to engage lawyers, acoustic engineers, traffic consultants, building code consultants, architects, town planners & surveyors."Have we got this wrong, Is this not what our community desires?”He added that Fillmore’s “truly want what’s best for our community and we will always fight for the arts, for live & all original music, for safe & inclusive spaces, for a community that is not mono demographic, for variety, for a space free of gambling, for fun, for nights that open our mind culturally and light a fire within us reminding us what we love & why we love it.”Lewis reiterated that Fillmore's remains open and they will “dust ourselves off & keep moving forward for the greater good”.

KIAMA SEVENS RUGBY UNION - THE KIAMA TEAM

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.