Kiama Sea Shanty Club were delighted to be invited to perform alongside four other groups at the Australian National Maritime Museum recently.The sellout event drew a spirited audience of over 350 people, who enthusiastically joined in singing both classic and new sea shanties, creating an unforgettable atmosphere on the Pyrmont decks at Sydney’s Darling Harbour.The club, which is only three years young, showcased four original shanties, adding their unique flair to the evening’s musical line-up and celebrating the rich tradition of maritime storytelling. Their performance was met with applause and appreciation, demonstrating the enduring appeal of sea shanties in connecting communities and keeping history alive.After a spectacular sold-out season in 2025, The Great Shanty Off returned to the museum with epic shanty groups, travelling from far and wide, ready to strut their stuff and sing their collective hearts out.This successful event highlights the vibrant cultural scene in Sydney and the dedication of the Kiama Sea Shanty Club to sharing Australian stories through music. Kiama’s musicians performed “Pig and Whistle Line” by Cliff Bell, “George Bass Marathon” by Ian Backhouse, “Ballad of the Pevensey” by Greg Adams and “The Way a Shanty Ought to Go” by Paul Mcgee.“Performing at the Museum was a wonderful experience for our crew,” said Kiama Sea Shanty Capt.’s assistant, Deirdre Backhouse. “It gave us the opportunity to perform some of our original material in front of a very receptive audience in an ideal location. It was a lot of fun. “We were also treated to a green room experience which included meeting and sharing our stories with our friends from Tedfern Shanty Club, Bundanoon Shanty Club and Forty Degrees South.“The highlight for me was the mass shanty singing together at the end of our sets. It was a blast. “The audience joined in and the place was jumping.”If you would like to join the Kiama Sea Shanty Club, they are on the lookout for people of all musical abilities to come along to their free, relaxed sing-along every Wednesday from 7.45pm to 9pm during the school term at Kiama Inn.“We are thrilled to share the fun of shanty singing, performing at multiple festivals and events, including the Kiama, Kangaroo Valley and Illawarra Folk Festivals,” Deirdre added.“Kiama Community Radio has helped spread the joy, inviting us to sing at community events at Kiama Leagues Club and Burnetts on Barney. “We have also participated in several local sponsored community events.”For further information, go to Facebook for Kiama Sea Shanty Club.

Kiama Lions turned up the volume at the club’s recent charity dinner meeting.Members embraced the “Let’s Get Loud” Loud Shirt Challenge at the function in support of the Lions Medical Research Foundation.The night featured three important moments for the club: The induction of new member Daniela Johnson, joining the Kiama Lions family.Recognition of club stalwart Janet Bruce, honoured for 10 years of dedicated service.Nominations for the 2026–27 board of directors, setting the groundwork for another strong year of community service.Kiama Lions continues to combine colour, commitment and community spirit as they serve the local region with pride. Club meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.For more information, visit kiamalions.org.au.

The historic Berry School of Arts is set to be transformed by colourful community craftsmanship this May as the Redberry Quilters return with their highly anticipated bi-annual Quilt Show. Running from Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May, this beloved event will showcase the intricate artistry of local makers while raising funds for local charities.Visitors can expect an impressive gallery of up to 100 quilts on display, ranging from traditional designs to contemporary textile art. Part of this year’s exhibition is the "small quilt challenge," which invites members to pack maximum creativity into a miniature format. Adding to the 2026 event is Featured Quilter Wendy Williams, whose celebrated style and technical expertise are a major highlight for enthusiasts across the South Coast.Beyond the gallery walls, the show offers a full experience for both seasoned makers and curious admirers. The Redberry members’ shop will be stocked with unique handmade gifts, while professional quilting traders will offer a curated range of beautiful fabrics and notions for those inspired to start their own projects.Attendees can also purchase tickets for the stunning raffle quilt, titled The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, which serves as a whimsical centrepiece for the weekend.To round out the visit, a pop-up café will be serving fresh sandwiches, homemade slices and tea.For those looking to display their own work, the deadline for submissions is fast approaching, with entries closing on 27 March. Prospective entrants can find full details and entry forms by visiting the Redberry Quilters website at www.redberryquilters.org or by emailing [email protected]. 

Kiama Lions has taken another step forward in practical environmental leadership, successfully trialling two MK1 Raytraption mobile recycling stations at the Kiama Rugby Sevens.The trial formed part of the Kiama Lions Environmental Program (KLEP), which focuses on reducing waste, improving safety for volunteers, and supporting cleaner community events across the region. The bright yellow mobile stations were positioned around the grounds to streamline the sorting of cans, plastics and other recyclables.Volunteers reported the new system significantly reduced handling time and improved hygiene, with materials able to be separated at the point of collection rather than back at the Cottage.The MK1 Raytraption units are designed for ease of movement, with a wheeled base that allows them to be placed exactly where they are needed during busy events. This mobility reduces the need for volunteers to lift or carry heavy bags across crowded areas, improving both safety and workflow.Faster sorting, with clear openings for each material streamBetter hygiene, as items are handled less and kept containedGreater safety, with reduced manual lifting and fewer trip hazardsThe trial supports KLEP’s broader commitment to practical, community-driven environmental action. By improving recycling systems at local events, Kiama Lions is aiming to reduce waste, support Return & Earn fundraising, and make volunteering safer and more enjoyable.Kiama Lions will review the trial results and consider further deployment of the MK1 Raytraption units at future community events, including sporting carnivals, markets and festivals. Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and Kiama Councillor Imogen Draisma were impressed after witnessing its use for the first time.“Very professional”, they agreed.Kiama Lions member Ray Redgrave said “the early results are very encouraging”. “This is about making it easier for volunteers to do good work, while keeping our community clean and supporting local causes,” he said. 

Rhian Thomas is an architecture post-graduate from the UK who recently moved to Kiama. This is her third article on her thoughts on planning issues in the local area.Gerringong’s high street is compact, yet characterful, lined with independent shops, heritage facades and charming eateries. Unlike many coastal towns, the main street sits up on the hill, unfolding along the valley and overlooking the coastline. Werri Beach can almost feel like an extension of the street and a backdrop to the town. One of the most prominent buildings punctuating this view is the Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, a recent council development exhibiting a balcony, bar and coffee kiosk. The long strip along Werri leading to the club invites a steady rhythm of walkers, runners and dog owners creating a gentle flow of traffic along a single track bordering the beach itself. Additionally, the daily ritual of the Werri Point swimmers meeting, swimming and enjoying an early coffee at the surf club kiosk is simple but telling - members may change, but the routine endures. Gerringong SLSC. Photo: Ella GunningThese investments into the daily life of the community provide not just revenue but a social life and routine for locals. Back up the hill, community life is equally visible. The historic Gerringong RSL Club and the Anglican Church bookend the street with reminders of shared history. Both, along with the Gerringong Library and Museum (GLaM), embrace and memorialise many aspects of the town's heritage, holding monthly meetings and celebrations, all with an undertone of social activity. Outside a local café, a noticeboard advertises horticultural society gatherings, tutoring services and exercise classes. The paper flyers contrast sharply with the polished marketing of new ventures, yet it arguably says more about the town’s values than any brochure could. At the newly famous Tasman Drive, popularised by TikTok, many tourists visit the “prettiest street in Australia” to take photos and videos of the view. Werri Beach. Photo: Ella GunningWhile these visitors arrive for a fleeting image, everyday life continues quietly elsewhere. The popularity of one scenic road is a reminder that what captures attention can be fleeting and unpredictable, whereas what truly sustains a town is the deep-rooted community spaces. This is not to argue against development - thoughtful upgrades are essential to support local industry and accommodate growth. Gerringong’s strongest investments have long been those serving the existing community, most notably sporting facilities, gathering spaces and adaptive re-use of buildings. The Anglican Church hosts children’s dance groups and sip and stitch sessions, as well as partnering with The Cottage for second-hand clothing sales. This exemplifies how new activity can flourish without new construction. What seems to stand out most in Gerringong is the ease with which its historic and culturally significant buildings continue to serve the present. The multiple churches, the RSL club and Museum are not preserved simply to admire, but they are active - hosting markets, classes and community gatherings as part of everyday life. They simply demonstrate that progress does not always require something new. Reworking and reusing the structures already embedded in the town proves growth can be achieved by building upon what exists. Furthermore, the most successful developments are enhancing and improving what the community already values, not inorganically creating something new.

Gerringong Music Club is thrilled to welcome SONIDO to the Town Hall later this month. SONIDO blends Latin American roots with the vibrant sounds of Sydney. Formed in 1977 by young migrants performing traditional Andean music, the group has evolved into a unique voice of cultural fusion. Today, their music reflects four decades of heritage, family and identity."We are delighted to welcome SONIDO back to Gerringong," said Gerringong Music Club musical director Imogen Stewart. "They delivered an unforgettable performance at our 2025 children’s concert, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back in 2026 to captivate our adult audiences. “If you’ve never attended a Gerringong Music Club event, this is the perfect concert to start with.” SONIDO will perform at 2pm on Sunday, 29 March.Get your tickets at https://www.gerringongmusicclub.com.au or at the door.  Members, children and students are free. Visitors $30.

Wollongong Art Gallery is the city's hub for art, culture and community - a stunning building.It not only houses an impressive array of Aboriginal, colonial and contemporary artworks, but also provides a reasonably sized theatre space with exceptional acoustics where musicians can perform for us at their best.This was the case recently when the musician in question was Joseph Tawadros, classically trained musician and multiple ARIA winner, accompanied by his brother James, virtuoso percussionist.Occasionally in your life you will remember exactly where you were when you heard, or saw, or experienced, a meaningful event for the first time.I've been a fan of the Tawadros brothers since hearing, quite by chance, a recording of their collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2019, broadcast by ABC Classic FM.In those days I lived on Berry Mountain, and a tree had come down in a paddock on our property. Hubby and I were clearing debris, and to keep us on the task, we were listening to the radio. The live concert started.I was immediately transfixed by this exotic Arabic music. The beat, the sensuality, the liveliness of it all was captivating.Happily, the ABC recorded this entire concert, and it won an ARIA for Best World Music Album the following year.Regrettably I had not seen the Tawadros brothers perform live, and so the opportunity arose last month. Wollongong happened to be part of their 2026 tour dates, performances stretching from Dungog, Adamstown, to playing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Myer Music Bowl, then Ballarat, Tasmania, and back to Sydney.Seating wasn't allocated so best to arrive early I thought.Unfortunately, so did everyone else.Getting there half an hour before the start, we only managed the third row, and by 7pm, the room was packed, with lots of excited audience chatter and pre-show manoeuvring.At last, Joseph and James entered from the rear of the room, to welcoming applause.What immediately struck me was their sartorial splendour. Joseph is not a shrinking violet in his mode of dress, as indicated by his twirled moustache, black Fez with gold trim, gold scarf and glittering pink slip-on loafers. James was more sedate in collar and tie in muted tones while wearing a flat newsboy cap.They carried their Middle Eastern instruments as they entered, Joseph's oud, and James’ two percussion instruments, the riq and the larger bendir.The oud is an ancient lute-type instrument, pear shaped and fretless. Joseph's Egyptian oud of course had some customised mother of pearl bling and an in-built pickup for playing across genres such as jazz and classical.A riq is a traditional tambourine, while the larger bendir is a wooden frame drum. James is a virtuoso of both.They seat themselves on chairs on a raised platform under a circle of down lights, and the magic begins.The music is haunting, beautiful, and the audience is justifiably mesmerised.There are songs of healing, there are songs inspired by Middle Eastern poetry, songs of family, of work, of joy. Feverish pace, or calm, the effect on me is the same. Pure happiness.I am close enough to see the expressions on their faces as Joseph and James play - eyes closed, sheer immersion in their craft. Both men are masters of their instruments, and they love what they do. It shows on their faces.Interwoven between musical pieces is the "talking bit", the natural humour and wit of Joseph as raconteur, while his brother James sits expressionless, silent - the perfect straight man. Joseph talks about migrating to Australia from Egypt as a two-year-old, as well as life for him and his family in Australia and how much he loves Egypt. Then he also talks about his experiences in real life, and online, as a target for racist comments.Not funny at all. But he tells his story with humour and compassion. His message to us - to just be kind to one another - is delivered with such grace and good humour, we in the audience are all laughing. Life should not be so serious, he says.Too soon, the concert ends. It has been energising, and thoroughly enjoyable. We all leave with smiles.Thank you, Tawadros brothers, for sharing your skill, your mastery, your fabulous music, and your sense of fun.

Geoff Webb joined us in the KCR studio last week to talk about a milestone that means a great deal to many local families - 100 years since the first land sales at Werri Beach.He is part of the Werri 100 project team at the Gerringong and District Historical Society, which is leading the centenary commemorations. The anniversary marks the auction held on 30 January 1926, when 280 blocks in the newly created Werri Beach Estate were offered for sale.“It was quite a bold development for 1926,” Geoff said. “It was aimed heavily at potential buyers from Sydney and marketed as a place to build a holiday home.”The subdivision was undertaken by James Muir Miller, grandson of early Gerringong settlers Robert and Elizabeth Miller. Despite the ambitious marketing, only 18 blocks sold at the first auction, mostly to locals. It took more than 20 years for the remaining lots to find buyers.As Geoff explained, the centenary quickly became more than a historical marker. “We realised it was also an opportunity to record the social history of a small coastal community over the last 100 years,” he said.Werri’s clearly defined boundaries - the ocean and the lagoon - have helped preserve its identity. It has not been absorbed into surrounding development, and that sense of place has shaped the project.The Historical Society reached out for photographs, stories and memories. Every household in the estate was contacted, and the call went out on social media. “The response has been amazing,” Geoff said. “It’s given us a huge volume of material to work with.”The result is a substantial 200-page book featuring contributions from almost 80 people. It includes stories of early migrants, such as the Medenis family from Latvia and the Prociuk family from Poland, alongside the evolution of community organisations including the Surf Club, the Werri Boardriders and the Progress Association.The book also highlights artists who lived and worked at Werri, including Lloyd Rees, Colin Lanceley, John Downton and George Gittoes.One theme runs through many of the accounts: families building their own weekenders over time. “Our parents built their weekender on the weekends,” Geoff noted, a line that appears repeatedly throughout the book.An exhibition will run from 14-24 April at the Gerringong Gallery and Museum (GLaM), open daily from 10am to 3pm.Among the highlights will be the original real estate contract books from Richardson and Wrench, kindly loaned by the State Library. Beautifully bound and secured with leather straps, they date back to the 1926 sales.The official opening on Wednesday 15 April will feature guest speaker Jillian Broadbent, former Chancellor of the University of Wollongong and a Werri Beach homeowner.The centenary book will be launched at the event, which KCR will record.Celebrations continue on 18-19 April with “A Weekend at Werri”. The Werri Beach Progress Hall will serve as a hub for a self-guided walking tour, with 25-30 large displays positioned outside homes and significant sites, sharing historic images and stories.Organisers anticipate more than 1000 visitors across the weekend, including families travelling considerable distances to reconnect with their Werri history.As Geoff made clear in the studio, this is not simply about marking an auction held a century ago, it is about recognising the continuity of a community that has retained its character while the world around it has changed.We wish the Werri 100 project team volunteers every success with this wonderful community celebration.Thanks for coming in Geoff and thanks for the fabulous chocolate croissant.

When Jim O’Connell tells people he’s a myotherapist more often than not he’s met with a blank look.But once he explains what he does - physiotherapy meets remedial massage - the penny drops and people immediately understand that he is a healer.Myo is Greek for muscle and myotherapy is a hands-on practice treating “pain, joint dysfunction and muscle imbalance”.“Myotherapy focuses on treating the person and not just the pain, it’s more like a holistic perspective,” explains the owner of Kiama myotherapy clinic Heyo Myo. “It looks at a whole lot of things - a person’s history, the work they do, old injuries, lifestyle, the impact of stress levels, the nervous system and hormonal changes, along with posture and movement through the joints to see how everything fits together. “It’s more hands-on than traditional physio would be these days, with a strong focus on remedial massage. “But it's more clinical than just remedial massage because it's looking at where the pain's coming from and what the main contributor is, what's driving it. “Once we figure that out then we introduce change for the long term, through stabilisation, rehabilitation and maintenance.”Jim and his family moved to Kiama from Melbourne a little over three years ago for a sea change after Victoria’s extensive COVID-19 lockdowns. He set up Heyo Myo on Terralong St in 2022, in the building that was once home to the town’s squash courts.“I’ve seen a few clients who used to play squash there,” says Jim, who says the most common injuries he treats are back, neck and shoulders, in that order.He also gets plenty of referrals from his neighbours at Emergence Yoga Studio, from whom he rents his workspace, not to mention the town’s surfers.“Being on the coast, there are a lot of surfers so I frequently treat shoulder injuries,” explains Jim. “But they can be tricky, because they often show up as neck pain, so treatment is focused on the shoulder even though the client presents with neck pain.“I also work a lot with the nervous system. It's the bodyguard. You can't make any change without regulating it first.“A lot of surfers are also professionals sitting at a desk all day, so it’s easy to confuse shoulder injuries with neck pain but once we get to the cause of the pain we can treat it and get them back out there doing what they love.”Jim's interest in the human body, what makes it tick and how to fix it, was sparked by repeated injuries as a sports-mad kid.“I had my fair share of injuries as a teenager, a few knee surgeries, and you find yourself in a world of doctors, surgeries and allied health,” he says.Jim credits a really good osteopath for helping him to manage his injuries and says empowering and educating people to manage injuries themselves is a focus of myotherapy.“I just give them the tools, then they do the work through rehabilitation and clinical exercise prescription. It’s amazing how much change you can make to someone's pain through hands-on treatment in just 60 minutes,” says Jim.“That’s why I love what I do,” he says. Jim's career trajectory has pivoted several times - has a commerce degree from Sydney University - but all roads led to holistic healing. “I finished my degree and realised sitting at a desk is not for me,” says Jim, although the degree came in handy when setting up his own business.“I started doing my diploma of remedial massage at Victoria University at nights and on Saturdays, while still working a day job, and once I was a qualified I worked alongside an osteopath and chiropractor.”Jim took some time off to travel with his wife and was “three months into a four-month trip around South America” when COVID hit.The pair returned to Melbourne but lockdown was a “weird space” for a remedial therapist.“It was a pretty grim time for anyone working in that industry,” says Jim. So he pivoted, just slightly, again and began studying for an advanced diploma in myotherapy.”During Jim’s training, his wife had given birth to their first child and the couple was keen to swap city living for something “coastal”.“We came up to Kiama for a week for my wife’s birthday and it felt right,” says Jim. “We wanted a small town but not too small. I’ve always hated commuting to work so now I just ride my bike and it’s the perfect place to raise a family.”Jim also offers dry needling (a tool used to reduce pain), myofascial release (targeting tissue around muscles), pregnancy massage, cupping (using suction to increase blood flow and promote healing), remedial massage and chronic pain coaching.March 11 marks the start of Australian Healthcare Week and there’s no better way to get healthy than to get moving, says Jim.If you are struggling with pain, joint or muscle dysfunction visit Heyo Myo or call 0418 472 033 for more information.

Former police officer turned private investigator Kylee Dennis has a warning for local families: scammers are targeting elderly people in the area — and not in the way you might imagine.“They’re actually coming through Facebook groups,” says Dennis, the founder of Two Face Investigations based in Shellharbour but operating nationally. “Let’s say an older person has joined a knitting Facebook group or a book club. The scammers are infiltrating these groups and then using this shared interest to engage with them.”From there, an insidious strategy unfolds.“They look for people who are single or seem to be lonely, and they strike up a friendship,” says Dennis. The hallmark of a scammer? They encourage the conversation to move to a private messaging platform — WhatsApp and Zangi are popular, according to Dennis.“There, they start the isolation process,” she says. “They create a friendship or a romance, and then they ask for money. It’s those aged 65 and above who are being targeted the most. They’re losing the most money, but anyone can be a victim.”She says it’s a misconception that scammers ask for five-figure sums. In fact, it’s far more common for people to lose small, incremental amounts of money — a “drip feed”, as Dennis calls it.A common strategy is asking for Apple, Amazon or Google Play gift cards. A scammer will ask someone to buy a gift card — or ten — and send through the number on the back of the card so they can redeem it.“Now, we have these insidious things called crypto ATM machines,” warns Dennis. “There’s another investigator in the area who is also an ex-cop, and I send all my crypto cases to him because it’s so complicated.”Crypto ATMs are kiosks that allow users to buy (and sometimes sell) cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin using cash or card, with over 2,000 now operating in Australia, including in the Illawarra.A scammer can set up a crypto wallet and then ask someone to deposit money through a crypto ATM into their ‘account’.“The older generation are feeding money into these machines now because that’s what their scammers are telling them to do,” she says. “It’s prevalent.”In October 2025, the Albanese government announced plans to create new powers to crack down on the use of crypto ATMs, after authorities warned they had become a major source of criminal activity, including scams, money laundering and terrorism financing.In 2025, $28 million was reportedly stolen by romance scammers in Australia, according to Scamwatch, with 71 per cent of reports involving online contact.Demographics at higher risk of being targeted include individuals aged over 55, widows or recently separated people, and retirees. Dennis’ typical client is the family member of a suspected victim.“It’s often a daughter who is worried about her mum,” she says. “They say she’s talking to someone online and her personality has changed; she’s become quite secretive.” Her next step is an interview with the mother, where she looks for red flags and discusses ways to protect her finances.In February, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued a warning about the so-called “48-hour rom-con”. Detectives have noticed the first 48 hours after a scammer makes contact with a target are critical — if they can’t “hook” a person within that time, they’ll move on.“I always teach people to ‘pause, check, ask,’” says Dennis. “These scammers want everything to be urgent. They say they’re in trouble, and older people are so kind, they act straight away. Nothing is that urgent. So, let’s pause for five minutes and get a second set of eyes on it.”Through her work, she hopes to improve digital literacy, especially in the elderly, so people can stay ahead of the latest scamming strategies and reduce the stigma.“It is a calculated grooming of someone,” she says. “The scammers are controlling the victim, persuading them to believe a story and putting them under a spell.”

The Bugle is pleased to present a fortnightly feature with Kiama High School, bringing you the latest news and events from the school.New faces on staffKiama High School has welcomed two new staff members who will play key roles. Sharon White-Mcfadden has joined as a school counsellor and registered Psychologist.She has spent 20 years of her career in education, including five years as a school counsellor.Known for being calming, approachable, and thoughtful, she will work closely with students and the school community to support wellbeing and growth.Thorough and well organised, she takes a proactive approach and brings natural curiosity and genuine care to every interaction. Sharon is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where every student feels heard and valued. Outside of school, she enjoys sport, nature, creative arts, travel, and strongly values courage, connection and collaboration in her personal and professional life.Kiama High has also added the services of Philip Reuter, who has joined the Creative and Performing Arts Faculty as a visual arts teacher. He is passionate about creative learning that balances skill development, conceptual thinking and student voice. Philip values inclusive classrooms and high expectations alongside strong theoretical and practical learning. Tailored workshopsKiama High’s Arts Unit is offering tailored workshops for high-potential and gifted students or anyone interested in filmmaking.These workshops empower students to explore, create, and refine their filmmaking abilities.Covering diverse areas such as camera operation, sound design, and storytelling, the sessions are led by specialised film educators. They aim to enhance participants' filmmaking proficiency while fostering a culture of collaboration.A maximum of 50 students will be selected per session. The workshops start this month and run throughout the school year.Dungeons & Dragons intrigue returnsKiama High’s popular Dungeons & Dragons program, in collaboration with Kiama Library, has returned for 2026. Sessions run every third Tuesday of the month, excluding school holidays and December.They are free to attend and food is provided. The sessions are held at SENTRAL Youth Service in Collins Lane from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.More information, including session dates and a registration link, can be found at https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Events/Events-SENTRAL/Dungeons-Dragons. Registrations are encouraged to help with planning, but walk-ins are welcome.

Mother of four Esther Keenan wears a lot of hats. The co-owner of multiple small businesses, including a printing service and a smokehouse, she spends her days homeschooling four children. She is also an admin of the Facebook group Illawarra Homeschoolers — a network of local families on a mission to normalise a different kind of education.“We started the group before we even had Facebook,” recalls Keenan. “We used a Yahoo group back then — that was painful and hard to navigate.”She began connecting with the local homeschooling community in 2009, two years before her oldest child reached school age.“We knew we wanted to try homeschooling,” she says. “Our eldest was three when we started going to meet-ups, and our youngest was nine months old. There has definitely been a rise in homeschooling families since then.”The numbers back that up. There has been a 4,422 per cent rise in homeschooling in the Illawarra since 2021, according to exclusive data provided to The Bugle by homeschool organisation Euka Future Learning.The leading postcodes for homeschooling in the region are 2529, 2527, 2530 and 2500, covering Wollongong, Albion Park, Oak Flats and Shellharbour.Former teacher Ellen Brown, founder of Euka, says they are seeing a surge in regional families joining their online homeschooling platform, which is aligned with the Australian Curriculum.“We are seeing strong growth in regional and coastal communities, including places like Kiama, the South Coast, and other lifestyle-focused areas,” says Brown.“Many families have moved out of major cities over the past few years, seeking a slower pace of life, more time outdoors and stronger family connections. Homeschooling fits naturally into that lifestyle because it allows education to be flexible and built around the family’s daily rhythm.”The reasons families leave traditional schooling vary. Some want their children to spend more time in nature; others want flexibility to support a family business.As a local family told The Bugle, the increasing sizes of local schools is a deterrent to sending shy or neurodivergent children. As young families move into the area, Kiama Public School had over 345 students spread across 14 classes in 2024 — the last annual report — and Minnamurra had 462 students across 18 classes.“One of the most common reasons is mental health and wellbeing,” says Brown. “Many families come to homeschooling after a child has experienced anxiety, bullying or ongoing stress in a traditional school environment. Parents are looking for a calmer, more supportive way for their child to learn.”In May, the NSW Department of Education took over homeschooling from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Just months later, a September Audit Office report into ‘alternative school settings’ warned the system is struggling to keep up with soaring demand.Processing times for homeschooling registrations have blown out by 63 per cent — rising from 40 calendar days in 2019 to 65 days in 2024 — as applications climbed by approximately 125 per cent over the same period.For some families, that has meant waiting an entire school term for approval.Delays are frequently discussed in online groups like Illawarra Homeschooling, although most posts focus on fun excursions, family meet ups and shared resources.On social media, the pros and cons of homeschooling are hotly debated. In recent years, there has been a rise in ‘homeschooling influencers’, singing the praises of unconventional schooling to millions of followers.Others worry about gaps in curriculum; social opportunities and the pressures placed on parents to become full-time educators.Keenan believes it is important to challenge common misconceptions — particularly the idea that homeschooled children are lonely or disconnected.“For us, socialisation — the big-ticket item everyone seems to talk about — was never a concern,” she says. “Our concerns were about making the right decision for our children and family. But once we got the ball rolling and saw the children loving to learn and enjoying the freedom that came with homeschooling, we knew it was the best option for us.”Her advice to families considering the move? Trust yourself.“Who taught your child to walk, talk and brush their teeth? You did,” she says. “You can also teach them to read, write and learn how to learn.”

Residents and businesses across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions will again have the opportunity to access clean, affordable renewable energy with the launch of Round 2 of the Community Renewables Program. The second round of the initiative - delivered by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation in partnership with its member councils of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven - follows a highly successful opening foray last year when more than 300 local households installed solar and battery systems.“The program aims to remove key barriers to renewable energy while building local grid resilience and reducing emissions across the region and we’re off to a great start”, said ISJO manager net zero Patrick Whitford. The program will reduce the upfront costs of solar and battery installations for residents and businesses, deliver access to high-quality solar and battery systems at exclusive rates, offer information sessions and tailored advice to community members, provide knowledge on energy efficiency and distributed energy systems, partner with local installers and service providers to deliver quality installations, and provide practical ways to contribute to climate action.Round 1 was highlighted with an incredible 100% of battery installations opting to participate in the virtual power plant (VPP).The ISJO said its continued partnership with service delivery provider Shine Hub ensures that participants benefit froman end-to-end solution supporting solar and battery storage adoption and participation in a VPP.Residents and businesses can express interest in Round 2 and access further information at: www.shinehub.com.au/isjo.

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.