The Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club celebrated a monumental 170 years of history over the weekend, with around 100 Cavaliers legends, family members and supporters gathering at Kiama Leagues Club for a special anniversary celebration.Guests included 92-year-old Noel Creighton, as well as Allan Snelling, whose 1953–54 premiership blazer hung proudly on the lectern as MC Glenn Cleary addressed the room.“The room was buzzing with tales from past games, magic moments and classic catches,” said Kiama Cavaliers president Bernie Brown.“Past and present players were also joined by Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, who himself proudly represented the Cavs on 20 occasions.”The guest speaker for the evening was retired Australian cricketer Mike Whitney, who shared stories from his international career and commended the club on reaching the remarkable milestone of 170 years.“Mike repeatedly highlighted just how significant 170 years is and reinforced the importance of grassroots cricket clubs and the pathways they provide for players determined to succeed,” Brown said.Alan Snelling, Bernie Brown and Mike Whitney. Photo: Kiama Cricket Club“He shared memorable stories from his Test debut - including the longest recorded over on debut, which stretched beyond an hour due to rain delays - and what it was like facing the fearsome West Indies fast bowlers as a tail-ender during an era of world dominance.”Brown also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of family within the club, pointing to the many father-and-son combinations in fourth grade as a shining example.Club historian Bill Peters then treated the audience to 170 years of Kiama cricket in just 30 minutes.“I was able to find records of cricket involving Kiama dating back to 1854, when a Kiama team played Wollongong on April 30 at the Wollongong racecourse - a match won by Wollongong by 14 runs,” Peters said.“At the time, underarm bowling was still the norm, sidearm bowling was only just being introduced and overarm bowling was only beginning to take hold. There were no competitions - not even in Sydney. Matches were organised by telegram, and players travelled by horse.”The evening also featured a video presentation from local businesses, elite cricketers and community members congratulating the club on its milestone.A highlight of the night was a video interview with club record holder and 1953-54 premiership player Allan Snelling, who boasts remarkable statistics: 201 matches, 684 wickets at an average of 10.01, and a highest batting score of 205 not out.“His candid reflections on life, cricket and service were unforgettable,” Brown said. “To have Allan in the room with his wife Margaret OAM and family was spine-tingling. As the interview concluded, the room rose for an extended standing ovation - a truly moving moment.”The night was a celebration not only of the Kiama Cavaliers, but of the broader Kiama community, the game of cricket and the rich history of an important local institution.“The club would like to thank major sponsor Kiama Leagues Club for hosting the event and providing excellent food and service,” Brown said.“A huge shout-out also goes to our raffle sponsors and those who sourced the unique, one-of-a-kind auction items. "The club now looks ahead to its 200th celebrations - which Mike Whitney has already, very graciously, promised to attend.”

On Christmas Day, while most families were unwrapping presents, Kevin Sullivan and the Sulli-Vans were packing up their caravan and heading for the highway.The Gerringong-based family band’s summer tour took them from Phillip Island to Port Macquarie and Tamworth, where they performed more than a dozen shows at the Country Music Festival.“We got back at the end of January and our kids are back in school – we’re just juggling school and music,” Sullivan said.Sullivan performs alongside his children – KJ (16), Cha Cha (14) and Jet (10) – while his wife Belinda, a former detective and Telstra Businesswoman of the Year, manages life on the road.“Now she’s the road manager of Kevin Sullivan and the Sully-Vans,” Kevin laughed. “Probably her best job … probably not her best-paying job.”Between gigs, Belinda ensures the family fully experiences wherever they land – from penguins on Phillip Island to museums, and national parks. “No matter where we are, we make sure we go and see it,” Kevin said.The family uses time on the road to balance the “fun” with the firmer realities of life.They have swum with whale sharks and explored ancient Indigenous rock art, but they also pull the caravan into nursing homes to perform for the elderly or play on struggling farms.These impromptu sessions are about a philosophy of service. “My wife’s favorite movie is Pay It Forward,” he explained. “It’s about giving back just because you have something good to share. “We aren't here for a long time, and Belinda – who is the love of my life – really drives that mission to help people for no other reason than it’s the right thing to do.”While speaking with The Bugle, Sullivan learned his song I’m Barred Again – co-written with Indigenous singer-songwriter Stuart Noel Nuggett and his son KJ – had returned to No.1 on the country charts for the fifth time.“I’m just chasing my dream,” he said. “I don’t know how far it will get, but to hear today that my song is number one again … I’m just trying to enjoy the journey.”KJ SullivanHis journey to the top hasn’t been easy.Last May, his sister Anne Sullivan was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and moved into the family’s Gerringong home, where she sadly passed away in September.“We didn’t work for about six months,” Sullivan said. “We couldn’t tour. We couldn’t do music. It was just a very sad time for us.”Anne, who had lived in Kiama and worked in digital television, was one of Sullivan’s strongest supporters – and it was her encouragement that eventually sent him back on the road.“She always said, ‘Kev, just let it go. The bad energy – let it go’,” he said.The family has embraced a daily ritual Anne loved.“We live here in Gerringong and can see the ocean, but we never fully appreciated it until Anne passed. She used to get in the ocean every single day, so now we do too – no matter how cold.”Sullivan is now an ambassador for Motor Neurone Disease NSW, ACT and the Northern Territory, with the cause displayed on the family’s touring vehicle.Before becoming a full-time musician eight years ago, Sullivan spent nearly three decades in the NSW Police Force, working as a forensic crime scene officer, bomb technician and inspector. He ran the bomb squad for the Sydney Olympics and was stationed across regional NSW and Sydney.“As a forensic crime scene policeman, you need something else,” he said. “Music helped me deal with things.”Sullivan later developed PTSD from his policing work and now speaks openly about mental health during his shows.“I talk about it because it matters,” he said. “People come up afterwards and say thank you for saying it out loud.”Music has always been part of his life. His father, who still lives in Kiama and turns 96 this year, was a Dixieland jazz pianist.Sullivan describes himself as an Australian singer-songwriter, blending country with jazz and brass, while placing storytelling at the centre of his work.“I tell stories about places, people and things that resonate with me,” he said.Much of that storytelling has been shaped by time spent touring the Northern Territory, where the family has lived, recorded, and performed in remote communities.Their collaboration with Stuart Joel Nuggett grew into a close creative partnership after meeting through Indigenous leaders."I've played overseas and recorded in Nashville, but I love being Australian," Sullivan said."I love telling our stories. Stuart taught us about Indigenous language and culture, but also how we’ve all come from different places around the world to be here. We’re all Australian – that’s his message and mine, too."The success of I’m Barred Again comes as Sullivan prepares to release a new album in July, along with music videos – including what he describes as a unifying song.“I’m a living, breathing example that it’s never too late to chase your dream,” he said.Cha Cha SullivanIt is a dream that has become a shared family legacy. For Sullivan, the true reward isn't found on a music chart, but in the rearview mirror of the caravan."Just being on the road with my family, standing on stage and seeing the next generation of singers coming through in my own children – it’s special," he said.In an era dominated by the digital glow of social media, the Sulli-Vans are choosing a different frequency: one of cold morning ocean swims in Gerringong, dusty highway miles, and the raw connection of a song shared with a stranger. It is a long way from the bomb squad, but for Kevin Sullivan, the journey is exactly where he’s supposed to be.

Approximately 2,000 people packed into Jamberoo over the weekend for the 26th annual Jamberoo Sevens football tournament - and not even the rain could put a damper on the fun.Beginning on Friday evening and wrapping up on Saturday night, 90 teams competed in more than 150 matches across seven divisions.“Games flowed, results were updated live, and the finals program wrapped up on Saturday evening without delays,” said Jamberoo Football Club president Alan Smith.“We were also extremely fortunate with the weather. Storms rolled through early Friday afternoon and returned again on Saturday night, but the competition itself slotted neatly in between.”Once again, the weekend proved a highlight for teams travelling long distances - particularly a Brazilian team that has made it a tradition to return each year.“The word we heard again and again was ‘stunning.’ Teams arrived, set up camp, looked around the valley and simply said, ‘How good is this place?’” said Smith.“One long-standing Brazilian team, who have travelled to Jamberoo for many years, described the drive down through the valleys - the moment the fields open up, the air, the colour, and the sense of arrival.“For them, Jamberoo isn’t just a venue; it’s a place of inspiration and emotional connection - somewhere they feel drawn back to year after year. That sentiment was echoed right across the weekend.”While the tournament isn’t solely about winners, friendly rivalries and the chance to etch names into Jamberoo Sevens history are always part of the appeal - and this year just one side managed to successfully defend their title.“The football was outstanding,” said Smith. This year’s champions were:Men’s Open: Young Guns CanarinhosMen’s O35: Jamberoo PubMen’s O45: Legends CanarinhosMen’s O55: Leroys RejectsWomen’s Open: Navy FFAWomen’s O30: Undecided FCWomen’s O40: Loftus Rovers“Only one team went back-to-back this year - Jamberoo Pub in the Men’s O35s - which really underlines how competitive and unpredictable the sevens format is."There were also genuine underdog stories, particularly in the women’s and masters divisions.”After another successful year, Smith is already looking ahead.“We’re already planning for 5 and 6 February next year. With so many teams keen to return, the event could grow again, and we’re exploring additional pitch options to allow more games to run concurrently,” he said.“At the same time, we’re very conscious of protecting what makes Jamberoo Sevens special - the setting, the community feel, and the balance between serious football and genuine enjoyment. "Growth is welcome, but only if it strengthens that identity.”

The Albanese Labor Government’s record investment in Medicare is proving to be a game-changer for families in Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong, and right across the Gilmore electorate.Since our GP bulk billing incentive program came into effect on November 1, the number of fully bulkbilling medical practices in our region has more than doubled.I’m really proud that 32 medical practices want to make a difference in their community, and they want to help their patients - many who are older with multiple health conditions and, of course, young families who are feeling the cost-of-living pinch.This is an absolute game-changer for local patients, who now have improved access to the health care they need, with just their Medicare card, not their credit card.From January 1, we’ve introduced a whole gamut of health services that are saving the hip pocket and, importantly, saving lives.We’re ensuring Australians can access the medicines they need at an affordable price, with PBS scripts now capped at $25, or just $7.70 for those who hold a concession card.We’re adding more life-saving and disease preventing medicines to the PBS every month, to help men, women and children.Just this month, Andriga-10 was added to the PBS to provide life-changing help for men with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.Without the PBS, patients might pay $930 per script.Since July 2022, we’ve approved extra funding for 399 new and amended listings on the PBS.We’re helping women and their families by subsiding the cost of contraceptive pills, hormone therapies for menopause and medicines for endometriosis.In just one year, more than 610,000 Australian women have saved money since essential women’s health medications were listed on the PBS as part of our landmark $792.9 million women’s health package.And, from January 1, Australians have had even better access to free health advice with the 1800MEDICARE telehealth service, website and mobile app.The new Medicare Mental Health Check In also went live on new year’s day, giving easy and free access to early support for Australians experiencing mild mental health challenges.Of course, we’re opening more Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and I know people in Kiama and surrounds cannot wait for the doors to open on the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Nowra and Shellharbour very soon, which will take pressure off the local hospital emergency departments.The investment in Medicare is already having a massive impact in our electorate, which is home to one of the highest populations of seniors in the country.We also have many young families and low-income earners who are reaping the benefits of a better, fairer and stronger health system that the Albanese Labor Government promised - and that we are delivering.Please note - this is paid content

Tucked away in the corner of Kiama, just one kilometre from the train station, sits a skate park many locals know well – a concrete maze of ramps, rails and colourful graffiti that once hosted skateboarding competitions and now serves as a popular hangout for young people.For one night only, it will become something else entirely, transforming into a venue Kiama has never seen before.On 21 February, Kiama Skate Park will be converted into a full-scale electronic music venue as local events brand THAT. takes over the space, turning concrete bowls into dance floors and grind rails into viewing platforms.The event will feature a massive scaffold stage, two towering scaffold structures running through the centre of the park, and an immersive sound and lighting setup designed to complement the skate park’s industrial aesthetic. A three-level viewing platform along the western edge will offer partygoers a bird’s-eye view of the action.Founder of THAT., Dylan Morris, said the skate park had been part of his vision since the very beginning of the brand.“Before I even threw my first event, this skate park was the end goal,” Morris said. “I wanted to create that night – something people talk about and remember.”Morris, who grew up in Kiama and started DJing at 18, said the idea grew from his frustration with the town’s limited nightlife.“We’ve always had to go to Wollongong for a night out,” he said. “It’s a 40-minute train ride every weekend. I wanted to bring something here, especially for the new generation, so they don’t have to leave town just to have a good night.”Since launching THAT. two years ago, Morris has staged multiple pop-up events across Kiama, Wollongong and surrounding areas, filling surf clubs, bowling clubs, town halls and even a warehouse in Berry. His first event sold out with 150 people, followed by another one just days later that doubled in size.The skate park event is by far his biggest undertaking.Morris said the event is costing well and truly in the six-figure range, which justifies the $90 ticket price.The line-up is backed by Red Bull sponsorship, with a dedicated Red Bull DJ car, a shaded chill-out zone and a second stage planned for the park.Food vans Amigos and Olachola will be on site, alongside a bar service. Facilities include disabled access, public toilets and parking.The event will feature high-energy electronic and techno music, aimed primarily at an 18–30-year-old audience, though Morris said it is open to attendees outside that age range.Performers include STÜM ft. Bella Claxton, Little Fritter and Ned Bennett.“It’s kind of the new rock and roll,” Morris said. “If you look at festivals now, electronic music is what’s selling out. That’s the crowd we’re bringing.”Tickets are priced at $90, with organisers saying only around 10 per cent remain.While many are excited to see Kiama host a large-scale nightlife event, many young people in the area say they felt frustrated and disappointed, after initially being thrilled by the announcement.“My son and his friends were excited at first, until they saw the age limit and the price,” one local mother told The Bugle. “The skate park is where they meet up with their friends – a place that gives them a sense of belonging – and now they feel shut out.”She said many young people would like to see a similar event without the age restriction and high ticket cost.Despite this, Morris hopes the event marks a turning point for Kiama’s nightlife.“I want to show there’s another side to this town,” he said. “If we can build trust with the community, maybe this opens the door to more regular events – even a nightclub one day.”The skate park will be back to normal from Monday onward, after crews clean the site, but the conversation about Kiama’s nightlife is likely to linger.

Kiama Cavaliers first grade moved a win clear of fifth place with a strong victory on the morning of the club’s 170th anniversary.In a weekend heavily impacted by weather, with many matches abandoned - the Cavaliers first, third and fourth grade sides managed to take the field.But it was only first grade who truly impressed.Playing at Kiama Sporting Complex against the Oak Flats Rats, the Cavaliers won the toss and elected to bat.Kiama began well, with openers Adam Ison (15) and Joe Burgess (24) combining for a steady 28-run opening stand. Ison was the first to depart, followed soon after by first-drop David Coleman (2), leaving the Cavaliers at 2–32.A trio of strong middle-order partnerships then steadied the innings. Captain Jaya Hartgerink (21), Ryan Butta (30) and Nathan Barr (33) guided the hosts into a promising position at 6-139.Unfortunately, the tail failed to add meaningful runs, and Kiama were eventually dismissed for 147 after 45.4 overs.Despite the modest total, Kiama’s bowling attack responded with intent. Oak Flats made a solid start, reaching 4-60, but from there the Cavaliers took control. Tight bowling and regular wickets saw the Rats slump to 98 all out from 38.1 overs.Wickets were shared evenly, with Brad Ison, Adam Ison, Glenn Cleary and Joe Burgess each claiming two. The remaining dismissals came via a Hartgerink run-out and Niall Owers, who took the opening wicket of the innings.The win leaves Kiama sitting fourth on the ladder, one victory clear of fifth and sixth. With just four rounds remaining, the Cavaliers can almost smell finals cricket.Unfortunately, it wasn’t as successful for Kiama’s other sides.Cavaliers president Bernie Brown had labelled the third-grade fixture against Oak Flats as the “match of the round”.Despite a superb century from captain Sheldon Hall, who scored 100 off just 83 balls after benefitting from a dropped catch in the outfield midway through his innings, Kiama’s total of 190 from 40 overs proved insufficient. The bowling attack managed only two wickets, as Jaye Jackman’s remarkable 100 not out from 49 balls powered the Rats to 191 in just 26.3 overs.In fourth grade, Kiama fielded what Brown described as a “youthful side” against Gerringong at home. The young Cavaliers struggled with the bat, managing just 67 from their 35 overs, with Riley McCrone (25) the only player to pass 20.Gerringong reached the target in just 11 overs, though Heath Marsh provided a highlight for Kiama with four wickets.This Saturday, first grade and the Cavettes will host Albion Park, while second and third grades travel away. Fourth grade will face Oak Flats on the road.

Shellharbour City Council is calling on residents to have their say on a new playground planned for the Shell Cove foreshore, with feedback now open on two proposed concept designs.The playground will be delivered by Frasers Property Australia as part of the Shell Cove partnership, with Council leading community engagement to ensure the final design reflects local needs and priorities.Following community feedback on green space in October 2024, Council has prioritised retaining open, grassy areas while delivering a family-friendly play space close to the kids’ beach.The proposed playground will include a mix of active, imaginative and inclusive play elements for children of all ages, along with seating, shade and picnic areas for families.Residents are invited to review two design themes: Concept 1, inspired by the nearby ocean environment, and Concept 2, drawing on the natural features of the Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve.Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said playgrounds play an important role in bringing the community together.“Playgrounds aren’t just for kids – they’re the heart of our community, where families relax, neighbours meet and everyone gets to enjoy our open spaces,” Cr Homer said.“We’re excited to hear what the community thinks and look forward to creating a space where imagination and fun can thrive.”Community members can view the concept designs and provide feedback through Council’s Let’s Chat platform, with QR codes also available on on-site signage at the foreshore.Feedback is open throughout February as Council will use community input to help guide the final playground design.

When a submarine becomes a spaceship, chaos is guaranteed.Kiama-grown author Clayton Comber and illustrator Conor McCammon are heading into outer space with their latest children’s book, Gimme Some Space, launching at The Pavilion 2 March.Cover of the duo's new book Gimme Some SpacePublished by HarperCollins, the illustrated chapter book is the sequel to The Marvellous Submarine, sending twins Poppy and Billy – along with their animal crew – beyond the sea and into space. When mysterious moon rocks start crash-landing on Monkey Island, the pair suspect old foes The Fugitives are back at it, prompting one bold solution: modifying Mum’s greatest invention, the Marvellous Submarine, to fly as a rocket ship.What follows is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure that sees the crew tangled in an intergalactic heist, caught in a wild space storm, climbing the biggest volcano in the universe and encountering a space cowboy armed with a ‘Super-Duper Lasso Blaster’.Described as a junior fiction duology that blends the anarchic humour of The Bad Guys with the imagination of The Treehouse series, Gimme Some Space is designed to be ridiculous in the best possible way.While it’s a sequel, Comber says the story works as a standalone adventure.“Kids don’t need to have read the first one – it’s its own story,” he said. “It’s silly, zany and all about letting your imagination run wild.”Aimed at – but not limited to – primary school readers aged around seven to 12, the book combines short chapters with illustrations, comic strips and visual jokes, making it accessible for a wide range of reading levels.“It’s the kind of thing where parents can read it with their kids,” McCammon said. “We always try to sneak in jokes for the adults too – a bit like a Pixar film or a Simpsons episode.”The collaboration began many moons ago while the pair were working together at the Bookstore Café in Kiama – their early ideas were scribbled down between coffee shifts. McCammon’s illustrations, first drawn on receipt paper, soon brought the heroes and villains to life.“I think people pick up on the fact that we’re mates first and creators second,” Comber said. “It never really felt like work.”The duo launched their first book at The Pavilion last year and will return to the venue for the South Coast launch on March 2.“Kiama is still very much home base for us,” Comber said. “It’s always special launching a book here.”The free, family-friendly event will include book signings, storytelling and plenty of cheeky banter between the longtime collaborators.While Gimme Some Space includes light environmental themes, Comber says the focus remains firmly on fun and creativity.“We want kids to feel like there are no limits,” he said. “You can do whatever you want in a story.”The Gimme Some Space launch will be held at The Pavilion on Monday, 2 March, from 6pm. Entry is free.

For the thousands of people who visit Kiss Arts Festival every year, Tamara Campbell is best known as her alter ego, ‘Kiki Bittovabitsch the Hilarious Humanitarian,’ with her quirky style, penchant for pink and love of double entendres.Off stage, Campbell is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of Kiss Arts Festival — and she is not immune to the stress and strain of the events industry.The Kiss Arts Festival, which has taken place in Kiama every year since 2013, was postponed last year. “We moved it back to April 2026 because of the busyness of the October period,” says Campbell.And then there’s the small matter of money.“There are two elements,” she says. “It’s not just [government] funding — it’s also about ticket purchasing. Post-COVID, people do everything last minute and it’s very nerve-wracking and unsettling. That’s reason one why events get cancelled.”For Kiss Arts Festival 2026, which runs from April 24 to 26, Campbell and co-founder Dave Evans are planning a “compressed but definitely vibrant” comeback.This year, it will still run over three days, but with reduced hours and locations.Campbell describes it as a “best of” program.“You’ll see a really great mixture of old faves and new and different,” she says.Highlights include laugh-out-loud street entertainment, a lantern-making workshop and the iconic raft race, setting off from Black Beach at midday on Sunday. (Registrations are now open.)In addition to the adults-only cabaret, there’s a bonus event — an “interactive trivia night” on 27 February from 7 to 11pm.“I’d like to thank Kiama Surf Club for donating the building and letting us run the bar there,” says Campbell.“We encourage you to put a team together, book your tickets and make a night of it.”At the time of our interview, funding from Kiama Council had not yet been confirmed, but Campbell was hopeful.If any local businesses wish to sponsor events, she says, their donations would be welcomed.“Please do support this iconic, free community event, because they’re dying off,” says Campbell.“Personally, you can be a sponsor just by buying a ticket and coming to these events.”Since the festival began over a decade ago, the demographic of Kiama has changed significantly.“The original Kiss crowd — their kids have grown up,” she says. “There will be a whole lot of new people in this town who don’t know what Kiss is. If you’ve never been, you don’t know what you’re missing.”She adds, “Human connection, community spirit and shared joy is what the world needs right now.”To book tickets, visit kissartsfest.com.au.

The sun was out and the vibes were high as Hindmarsh Park came alive with sound for the latest installment of Music in the Park (25 January). Despite another day of sweltering heat, the event proved to be a resounding success, drawing a crowd that organizer Charlie D’Amico described as having an awesome buzz.From the soulful melodies of 15-year-old local prodigy Florence Johnson to the high-octane energy of the Ramoans tribute showband, the afternoon bridged the gap between grassroots talent and seasoned professionals.While the event currently enjoys the support of a Kiama Council Cultural Grant, D’Amico is looking toward a more ambitious future.RamoansWith the live music scene currently struggling and artists swamped with the desire to find a stage, he has his sights set on expansion. D’Amico envisions holding the event four times a year on fixed dates, providing the community with a regular schedule and giving more performers the opportunity to be involved.To transition from an occasional highlight to a quarterly staple, D’Amico is looking beyond local borders for support. SeldomHe is beginning the process of seeking further funding from state and federal government sources and intends to contact representatives Katelin McInerney and Fiona Phillips to discuss the future of the initiative.He believes that increased frequency is essential to supporting musicians who are finding it harder and harder to secure gigs in the current climate.Despite the success of the day, D'Amico noted a missed opportunity for the town regarding the Hindmarsh Park stage itself.He said that the facility remains significantly underutilized and encouraged other community members and event organizers to reach out to the Council to make better use of the space for future events.As the echoes of the last performance fade, the focus now shifts to whether higher levels of government will step up to help turn this local favorite into a permanent fixture of the Kiama calendar.

A man has been charged with weapons and drugs offences after he was arrested on Monday in Nowra.Police responded to calls from the public about 7.40am following reports of a man sleeping in a vehicle with a firearm in Journal Street.South Coast Police District officers located a man allegedly in possession of a privately made firearm.Officers seized a homemade firearm, ammunition, a machete, methylamphetamine and cannabis within the vehicle.A 45-year-old man was arrested and taken to Nowra Police Station.He was charged with eight offences – possess loaded firearm public place, possess unauthorised firearm, possess ammunition w/o holding licence/permit/authority, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, custody of knife in school, two counts of possess prohibited drug and possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance.He was refused bail to appear in Bail Division Court on Tuesday.

JAMBEROO 7'S 2026

As the stars are re-aligning I write to make a few observations on the Australian political scene. As the author of the Adventures in Climate Change series, readers will know my interest in population. I place the failure of governments to have a formal sustainable population policy at the centre of the changing political galaxy. To be clear, this policy should be non-racist.For well over a decade robust credible public opinion polls have consistently shown a majority of our multicultural society say we have excessive population growth. That same multicultural society makes fertility choices that are well below replacement levels, a trend in many developed countries.Yet federal governments of both persuasions have pursued high population growth through immigration with a zeal. Australia has one of the highest population growth rates for developed countries. This strategy is increasingly described as a Ponzi scheme.We are now seeing major disruptions. The federal Government was elected with a low 34.6% primary vote. The trend of major party decline continues with independents and minor parties achieving 33.6%, out-polling the Coalition on 31.8%. A situation not seen for seven decades. Subsequently the Coalition vote has collapsed and now there are tantrums that may lead to a long term separation. Some commentators are predicting new political parties. Immigration is a key battleground.The Government continually ignores the demand side. It’s all about increasing supply. For example, the housing crisis. For many with low incomes or large mortgages this leads to a cost of living crisis. How much more difficult and expensive is the transition to renewable energy due to the rising population? We never hear a word about that. It’s Economics 101.Citizens’ frustrations have over-flowed into public demonstrations. Groups with policies that have racist themes have been quick to leverage these frustrations. Laws have been changed reducing freedoms. The opinion polls show One Nation in the ascendancy, although still well below the level where it might form government.National government is a complex beast. But the Population Ponzi, out of step with the national sentiment, is a common theme in many short and longer term significant issues. The nationally derived, state-mandated housing targets, relying on an industry that doesn’t have the capability or capacity to deliver, are but one expression of the impact. As seen in Kiama. You don’t have to go far to hear vested interests calling out for more.The failure of leadership to acknowledge the sentiment risks national division. Winding up the Population Ponzi scheme will take decades. Like with climate change, the sooner you start the better.Ray JohnsonKiama

Shellharbour put a dent in Bomaderry’s South Coast cricket finals hopes with a 41-run victory at Artie Smith Oval on Saturday.With four rounds left before the finals, the Tigers are now nine points adrift of fourth spot in sixth position while the Harbour have retained a share of second alongside Bay and Basin.Six Harbour batters made 20 but no one kicked onto a half-century in their total of 8-206 with Tigers seamer Daniel Troy (3-43) the pick of the bowlers.Bomaderry were travelling nicely at 1-88 but the loss of Jarrod Mitchell (33) and Luke Jones (37) in quick succession triggered a collapse and they were all out for 165 under the onslaught of Beau Chamberlain, who bagged 5-57.Kiama celebrated their 170th anniversary weekend with a low-scoring home win over Oak Flats.They were bowled out for 147 after teenage seamer Sam Huetter (4-28) and allrounder Zaied Bin Khalid (3-27) did the damage for the visitors.But the Cavaliers attack combined brilliantly with Brad Ison, Glenn Cleary, Adam Ison and Joe Burgess taking two wickets apiece to win by 49 runs.Lake Illawarra reinforced top spot by cruising past last-placed Ex Servos. Allrounder Jake O’Connell picked up 5-6 as Ex Servos made 135 on the back of Chris Buckley’s 58.O’Connell completed a fine performance with 86 not out off just 37 deliveries, with six fours and eight sixes, as the visitors reached their target in the 18th over.Dolphins captain Tom Dolby top-scored with 53 as Bay and Basin posted 173 before bowling Albion Park out for 116.New-ball pair Cooper Bramley and Jason Moschioni bagged three wickets each as North Nowra Cambewarra rolled the Kookas for 108 and then chased the target down with six wickets and 32 overs to spare.This Saturday, Lake head south to play Bomaderry, North Nowra host Ex Servos, Albion Park are away to Kiama, Shellharbour and the Kookas play out their local derby at Scout Willoughby Oval while Bay and Basin are up against Oak Flats at Sanctuary Point.Ladder: Lake 83, Shellharbour, Bay and Basin 72, Kiama 68, North Nowra 61, Bomaderry 59, Oak Flats 40, Kookas 34, Albion Park 32, Ex Servos 23.In the women’s competition, the Kookas stayed on top of the ladder with a 22-run victory over Ex Servos at Myimbarr.Jennifer Kitchen cooked up an unbeaten 79 and Jacquie Monie added 37 as the home side reached 5-146.Ex Servos lost a couple of early wickets before bouncing back via an unbeaten 50 from Rebecca Carson but could only muster 5-124 in reply.Oak Flats Ratettes defeated Lake Illawarra by 41 runs after opener Anne Boatswain (41) and young allrounder Maya Huetter (26) powered them to 5-126 despite 3-10 from Lake’s Kiana Dovern.The Lakers got off to a strong start but after Dovern fell for 29, they fell away to finish on 9-85.Kiama’s clash with the other Oak Flats team, the Ratatouilles, was abandoned due to rain soaking Bonaira Oval on Friday afternoon while the Shellharbour v Albion Park game was also washed out.This Friday’s draw is Kiama at home to Albion Park, the Ratettes taking on Shellharbour and the Ratatouilles facing the Kookas at Myimbarr, with Lake meeting Ex Servos at Albion Oval.Ladder: Kookas 40, Ratatouilles 28, Ratettes 26, Kiama, Lake 20, Albion Park 18, Ex Servos 16, Shellharbour 4.

Wildlife educator Steve Irwin’s work with a much-maligned reptile not only earned him his famous Crocodile Hunter moniker, but shone a spotlight on environmental conservation. Now CSIRO entomologist Keith Bayless - nicknamed The Fly Hunter by colleagues - is on a similar mission, to inspire kids to love bugs and science by documenting his search for a rare Australian fly which he rediscovered in a stinky loo near Jamberoo.Bayless found the Clisa australis - or what he colloquially calls the bat poo fly after its main food source - at Barren Grounds national park more than 30 years after it vanished from Australian records.The rare Australian fly was first discovered deep in a bat cave near Kempsey in the 1960s by entomologist David McAlpine. It later turned up in pit toilets in a northern NSW national park in the 1990s before disappearing again. Bayless spent more than 10 years hunting for the tiny insect, before he finally found it near Jamberoo. His dogged hunt earned him his nickname and, like The Crocodile Hunter, Bayless hopes his research will spark young people to be “curious about nature”. The fly specialist, who grew up in the United States in suburban New Jersey and got his PhD from North Carolina State University before travelling to Australia to work at the CSIRO, recalls hunting flies in his suburban backyard and being inspired by Irwin as a young nature lover.“The Crocodile Hunter was certainly beloved when I was growing up,” says Bayless. “And while crocodiles might be a lot bigger than flies, they are sometimes just as hard to see as they hide so well. So I don’t know which is more difficult to spot but I'm certainly happy that I work on flies and not crocs.”While the scientist’s target is much smaller, less aggressive and far more elusive than a saltwater croc his hunting ground - national park dunnies across the east coast - could be considered just as daunting as scouring croc-infested waters.“I’ve checked the walls and ceilings of an embarrassing number of public toilets in parks since 2015,” says Bayless on his hunt for the bat poo fly.“If I’m driving I’ve been known to take a peek inside drop toilets if there’s a car park nearby. "Often entomologists will check structures like toilets because tiny insects are more visible on walls and, in the case of the bat poo fly, the larvae develop in the pit and eat poo.”When Bayless visited the Australian museum and met McAlpine, the first person to describe and discover Clisa australis, it inspired his decade-long hunt for the bat poo fly.Bayless visited the original cave site near Kempsey where McAlpine worked with bat experts to discover the species but found that the cave was “on a cliff and surrounded by stinging trees“.“I didn’t have the right gear to get in,” says Bayless.So instead he started looking in the last place they were sighted - national park pit toilets. After years of painstakingly scouring smelly dunnies found the rare species in a trap he had set up near a pit toilet in Barren Grounds, off Jamberoo Mountain Road. “It was nestled under land leeches in a sample from a dark, humid gully,” he says. “That fly had never been collected by trapping before.”Bayless says he felt “elation and relief” after years of searching for his tiny target.“But there was also a fair amount of confusion because it hadn’t been spotted this far south before,” he explains. The finding spurred him on to widen his hunt and not long after his first discovery Bayless spotted a live Clisa australis sitting on a “loo roll” near Merimbula.“It really stood out, blue and shiny, on the white background of toilet paper,” says Bayless.Now the entomologist’s hunt for the tiny fly - which is closely related to the fruit fly species - has been turned into a children’s book called The Very Stinky Fly Hunt.Written by CSIRO science communicator Andrea Wild, the book aims to inspire kids to follow their own scientific adventures just like Bayless and to also elevate the humble fly from household pest to important pollinator.Bayless says the rediscovery of the Clisa australis could help scientists better understand the migration patterns of the rare species - it has since been spotted in Victoria - and also mitigate the spread of agricultural diseases.“Clisa australis is closely related to fruit flies so it's useful to compare the two to develop better ways to control agricultural pests,” says Bayless. “We need to learn a lot more about these flies and their rediscovery will help us understand their role in the ecosystem and how flies evolved from feeding on waste to feeding on plants.”Bayless says flies have an unfair reputation for bringing disease and ruining crops but only one per cent of the species has a negative impact on humans and agriculture. The rest have an important role to play in building healthy ecosystems. “Flies are the second-most important pollinating insect after bees,” says Bayless. “The cacao tree, grown for chocolate, can only be pollinated by flies and the blow fly is the main pollinator of mangoes alongside bees.“Farmers often throw fish heads under their mango trees just to attract flies for pollination. "The Very Stinky Fly Hunt is a great way for curious young people who want to learn more about the species and what it’s like to be an entomologist.”

The Illawarra Hawks will be playing for pride in their final three matches of the NBL season after their title defence ended in Auckland on the weekend.After keeping their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 100-99 home win over Adelaide on Thursday night, they suffered an 11-point loss to the Breakers on Saturday.New Zealand leapfrogged the Hawks into seventh spot and with an 11-19 record, the champions can no longer qualify for the playoffs even if they win their remaining three fixtures.After breaking the franchise’s 25-year wait for a second championship last season, the hot-and-cold campaign never got out of first gear.Hawks coach Justin Tatum was disappointed with the way they struggled from the outset against the Breakers despite knowing their playoff dreams were on the line."It wasn't what I expected from my team," he said."Felt like we should have played with a sense of urgency.“The inconsistency of this group has been a little frustrating here and there, but we have a great group of guys in that locker room."The Hawks trailed 7-2 after an early Breakers blitz and the home side’s three-point shooting put the visitors on the back foot with NZ taking a 61-50 lead into the half-time interval.Tatum rolled the dice on a smaller line-up, benching star centre JaVale McGee for the entire second half despite his tally of 15 points and seven rebounds in the opening two terms.Todd Blanchfield and Tyler Harvey (who finished with 19 points apiece) started heating up in the third quarter and after they had trailed by as much as 16, they trimmed the gap to 84-80 by the start of the fourth term.QJ Peterson made it a two-point game soon after the start of the final quarter but then fouled out, taking a bloodied eyebrow up the tunnel.Davo Hickey fell one assist shy of a triple-double, recording 14 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists but the Hawks faded down the stretch to go down by 11 with the Breakers keeping their faint playoff hopes alive.‍The Hawks return home to WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday night for their final home game of the season against Sydney, looking to make up for the disappointment of missing the playoffs by beating their fiercest rivals.In better news for the Hawks, the federal government has granted Harvey permanent residency and the club will continue to support their co-captain and his family as they work through the process of becoming Australian citizens.Harvey’s permanent residency places him on track to be eligible to play as a local player in the NBL from the 2027–28 season, subject to league confirmation.Since arriving in the Illawarra ahead of the 2020–21 season, Harvey has become one of the most influential figures in club history, a two-time All-NBL First Team selection (2021 and 2025) and one of the league’s most reliable guards.

The Lions Clubs of the Kiama–Shoalhaven region is celebrating a big win for local kids’ eye health, following the successful accreditation of new Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) screeners and the completion of the first children’s vision screening by Minnamurra Lions.The screening was delivered with strong support from Kiama Lions, Gerringong Lions Club, Shoalhaven Heads Lions Club, Lions Club of Tahmoor Inc, and Woonona and Canberra Lions Clubs, demonstrating the depth of collaboration across the region. The activity was proudly conducted in partnership with Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club, strengthening ties between local service organisations.Training for the new screeners was led by District N2 LEHP Instructor Jenny Barclay, whose expertise has been central to building capability across the zone. As a result of her program, the Kiama–Shoalhaven region now has more than 24 accredited screeners, significantly expanding local capacity to deliver early‑intervention vision checks for children.The accreditation also welcomes two new LEHP‑active clubs - Gerringong Lions and Shoalhaven Heads Lions - further strengthening the region’s long‑term commitment to improving children’s eye health. Planning is already underway to develop at least six trained facilitators, with the potential for one or two new instructors in the near future.This momentum continues, with Kiama Lions set to conduct the third Lions Eye Health Program – Australia screening on 1 March at the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, delivered in partnership with the Kiama Kingfishers. The event will provide another important opportunity for local families to access free, early‑detection vision screening for their children.A Lions spokesperson said the achievement reflects “the best of Lions collaboration - clubs working together, sharing skills, and building a service that will benefit children and families for years to come.”For the Kiama–Shoalhaven region, these milestones mark the beginning of a stronger, more coordinated approach to children’s eye health, one built on teamwork, training, and a shared commitment to community wellbeing.

JAMBEROO 7'S 2026 - WOMEN 1

Walk into Number 19 Gallery in Jamberoo, and one of the first things you spot is a collection of vibrantly coloured paintings instantly evocative of the South Coast.Behind that flash of colour lies a remarkable story of talent, triumph, love and loss.Painter Deborah Chisholm passed away on 15 December.She leaves behind a grief-stricken husband, Ross, who mists up multiple times a day and says little beyond: “I miss her so much. She was such a talented person.“She loved this place, the cows, the horses, the lyrebirds, the blue wrens. We have blue wrens everywhere. She was inspired.”A flyer for her 2024 exhibition at Fern Street Gallery in Gerringong, before her cancer diagnosis, declared: “Colours pop and fizz, and patterns cleverly emerge, layer upon layer, like Russian nesting dolls, suggesting the grandeur of everyday existence built upon the microscopic framework of life itself.”Deb described her creative process: “Suddenly I’ll visualise a painting, its colours and patterns. The South Coast is truly my haven – the green hills, the bird life, the vastness of the ocean – all hold a powerful artistic potency.”Their beautiful house up on Fountaindale Road edges the local rainforest known as The Brush, a remnant of the region's lush temperate rainforest.Each evening, the loved-up couple sat at a table in the garden, admiring the Jamberoo Valley view with a glass of wine. “It was unreal,” Ross recalls. “Just the two of us and the dog. You couldn’t get any life any better.”New arrivals in Jamberoo since moving into their forever home in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, both professionals from the Sutherland Shire – Ross an engineer, Deb a graphic designer with her own business, they named their new home Omaroo, an Indigenous word meaning “beautiful view”. It was their retirement dream.They poured money, love and effort into remodelling gardens and lawns.The house brims with Deb’s paintings. Prints sell well in Allowrie Street, but Ross will never part with the originals.Covid isolation deepened their bond, sparking Deb’s artistic renaissance. After decades as a graphic artist, she turned to vivid paintings of South Coast landscapes.Their dreams were shattered on 24 August 2024 with her diagnosis of aggressive brain cancer and she was given six months to live.Surgery left her severely disabled - Ross became her full-time carer. Early efforts to get help from the NDIS frustrated him deeply, leaving him with the conviction that the scheme is heavily rorted and in urgent need of reform.Often unwell, she painted one-handed; her studio holds half-completed works.After 14 years together, they married on 1 January 2025. “It was a perfect day,” Ross recalls.They knew it couldn’t last.Loss echoes everywhere: an unused pizza oven on the back lawns, an unused, covered spa, a brand-new Porsche SUV driven only once - to bring Deb home from hospital. She wanted to die at home, but illness returned her to hospital for her final weeks.Her last wish: Ross by her side at the end.He missed the moment by five minutes. Telling the story, he chokes up again. A terrible regret.Artistic to the end, Deb left a final card in elegant script with a splash of colour on the cover: “Dear husband, my soulmate, my rock.“I am so glad we found each other! We’ve had plenty of fantastic times away overseas and not only that at home spending time together and enjoying life.“You have given me more than I could ever ask for in dedication and devotion in looking after me through thick and thin, and I am eternally grateful for your support.“Even though you can’t see me, I will always be hanging around sitting next to you on the chair looking over the beautiful valley. "My spirit will be mingled with the mist rising from the valley. "It will be in the song of the lyrebird singing to you melodies from the bush. It will be the rustling of the wind through the trees.“Just talk to me. I will hear you. I may not answer but just know I can hear you.“Be brave and soldier on. And I love you more than you could ever know.”