Independent Mike Cains and his team believe that Kiama needs a fresh start. There is a lot do. Broadly speaking their policy platform revolves around three key focus areas. Firstly, establishing a collaborative and professional council that abandons petty squabbles and works to get things done, Secondly, delivering improved liveability for our town and villages and finally, ensuring that we only have sustainable development and infrastructure that sets our region up for the future.Here are the team biographies:Mike Cains: is a farmer, owner of Pecora Dairy, 2021 Nuffield Scholar & 2024 Royal Agriculture Show Presidents Medal recipient. He is on the board of the Kiama & District Business Chamber and a founding member of the Wednesday Kiama F armers Market. Dad to two adult children and husband to Cressida for over 20 years. Before returning to the area he grew up in, Mike carved out a successful corporate career with senior executive roles at companies like Fairfax Media and CoreLogic. In corporate Australia and in small business he acquired the skills to a) bring people together b) solve problems and c) get things done - if elected he will work with other councillors to create a more productive council.Marcus Hewitt: is a local cattle farmer who has lived in the Kiama area for more than 15 years. He is an accomplished small businessman with more than 30 years’ experience running fitness centres throughout Sydney. He is a father of three who understands the pressures facing families and businesses in Kiama. In particular he wants to see a greater focus on building more functional amenities in Kiama’s growing towns. He sees the opportunity for farmers to build modest functional accommodation to house their staff and for the workers of businesses of our growing towns. He is an avid fisherman and is passionate about preserving the natural beauty of this electorate. As part of the Mike Cains team, he wants to use his business experience and local knowledge to support jobs, growth and investment in our beautiful Kiama Towns.James Cahill: has lived in Kiama for the past 43 years, raising a family. He has enjoyed career employment in information technology and communications at senior management level working for multi-national corporates. Jim is a keen Christian and surfer, with community volunteering experience including previous lengthy involvement with junior football as coach.Jim is pleased to support Michael Cains to provide a fresh start for Kiama Council.Cressida Cains: has a passion for supporting women in rural and regional Australia. She is the 2020 Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award winner for NSW and ACT and National runner up. She is on the board of Australian Women in Agriculture and is a fierce advocate for helping rural and regional women achieve positions of influence. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor of Business.Together with Mike she founded Pecora Dairy and has been on the organising committee of the Wednesday Kiama Farmers market. She is mother to two adult children.Eric McAuley: is a 20-year Bombo resident. His career encompasses environmental remediation, but he currently runs his own business recycling batteries and other materials. He is an exponent of the circular economy and its benefits to society. Eric is deeply passionate about the future of the Bombo quarry. He believes that we have the perfect opportunity to promote a world class urban design to create a new state of the art community close to beach, electrified train and highway.

Rooted in the heart of Kiama, Gerringong, and Jamberoo, the Group A team, led by Cameron McDonald, is a coalition of passionate individuals who embody the mantra, “Community minded, business focused.” Each member brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the table, united by a shared commitment to enhancing the Kiama LGA and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community.Cameron McDonald: Cameron grew up in Kiama and is one of five partners in regional law firm Culleton Lawyers. Cameron has two degrees, a Masters in Property Law and Business Law Transactions and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment. He has travelled extensively, been appointed to State and Australian representative sporting teams in a former career and cut his teeth in a top tier law firm. Cameron is currently the President of the Kiama & District Business Chamber, a member of the Destination Kiama Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee, a committee member of the Kiama Show Society and founding member of the Kiama & District Stronger Community mental well-being group alongside Erica, Mark and Derek. In his spare time Cameron coaches the U11 Girls Kiama Power AFL team (who apparently need little coaching). His family has a long history of serving the community, his father Al being one of the founding members of the Kiama Lions Club in 1970, and who is still a member of the Club. Cameron‘s wife Leah has served for the last 12 months on the Kiama Primary School P&C Association and their children go to Kiama High and Primary Schools. Cameron works tirelessly and has the skills and passion to make the Kiama LGA a better place.Erica Warren: Erica is a Jamberoo local and mum who has spent over 35 years in the hospitality industry. Erica has spent 46 years of her life here in the Kiama Municipality, attending Kiama Infants, Primary and High Schools. Her parents, Ross and Nola Warren moved from Sydney to Kiama when she was five years old, operating The Grand Hotel Kiama and most recently The Jamberoo Pub. As Licensee of Jamberoo Pub for 10 years Erica was awarded several Australian Hotels Association Awards, along with the Prestigious NSW South Coast Tourism Award, Individual Contribution to South Coast Tourism. Erica mentored several employees and students in the AHA Women in Hospitality Scholarship Program, two receiving Scholarships. Most recently, Erica began her own Hospitality consulting business and currently is the General Manager of The Co-Op Gerringong. Erica is a member of the Kiama & District Business Chamber and Destination Kiama, she is involved in the Kiama & District Stronger Communities and previously served on the Board of Kiama Tourism. Erica has a Bachelor of Social Science and majored in Human Resource Management, Human Relations and Communications. She is passionate about our community, hospitality, live music and tourism and supporting our youth to ensure they have local jobs and the ability to live in our LGA. She believes in a common sense attitude to supporting businesses year-round and sensible development that reduces the impact on our beautiful land and environment. Erica is running as a candidate so she can play a pivotal role in making common sense decisions within Council for businesses and the broad demographic that live here and visit.Melissa Matters: Born and raised in Gerringong, Melissa is a proud third-generation member of the Miller farming family. After attending Kiama High School and still in her early twenties, Melissa launched her own small business while raising her children. Melissa now owns and operates The Hill Bar and Kitchen in Gerringong with her husband Dean and their boys, employing 60 local residents. As co-owners, Melissa and her family acquired and restored the historic Gerringong Dairy Co-Op, showcasing her commitment to preserving local heritage and Gerringong’s natural beauty while fostering economic growth.Melissa's deep connection to the community fuels her passion for its people and culture, and her first hand experience in managing successful businesses gives her unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our local enterprises. Melissa’s proven track record of leadership, innovative mindset, commitment to excellence and ability to forge strong relationships make her invaluable to our community. As cornerstones of the local community, Melissa’s businesses also proudly sponsor local football, soccer, and hockey clubs, underscoring her commitment to supporting local sports and youth development. Mark Burns: Mark Burns is a dedicated community member with a deep passion for purpose and contribution. With over 20 years of experience as an owner and clinician at Gerringong and Kiama Physiotherapy, Mark has honed his skills in caring for others and fostering wellbeing. Now, he has shifted his focus toward strengthening community ties and promoting health and connection through various initiatives. Mark is the founder and CEO of The Man Walk Charity, a program designed to encourage men to engage in meaningful conversations and support one another. He serves as the lead facilitator of the Building Young Men rites of passage mentoring program, empowering Year 10 boys to navigate their journey into adulthood with confidence. As a director of the Kiama and District Stronger Community charity, he actively works toward enhancing the wellbeing of the local community.Mark is committed to ensuring a brighter future for residents in our region. With his extensive experience and genuine passion for community development, Mark Burns is an ideal candidate for local office.Derek McMahon: Derek spent his childhood in Kiama before moving to Gerringong over 20 years ago, where he now raises his family. Derek is a second-generation business owner, currently operating two businesses within the Kiama LGA. McMahons Transport (Gerringong) and Lumberjacks Firewood (Minnamurra) employ local people and proudly sponsor several local sporting clubs and the Kiama Show. Derek is highly involved in the community, being the current Chair of Gerringong Bowling Club, an active member of Gerringong All Sports, a founding member of Gezza Cares and the Kiama & District Stronger Community group. For his charity work with the Illawarra Convoy, Derek was awarded the Australia Day Award. Derek is passionate about our local community, especially with regard to future planning and employment. Derek would like to see improved long term planning for the LGA and a return to a financially sustainable council. Derek doesn’t stand back. He seeks advice, makes decisions, takes responsibility, and gets on with the job.

Your Community Candidates Ready To Get Kiama Back To Basics (released 16 August 2024)Kiama deserves a Council that prioritises the essentials: Roads, Rates, Rubbish, and Recreation. Today, "Your Community Candidates" revealed their plan to deliver exactly that in the upcoming Kiama Municipal Council election. “Our focus is simple—getting Kiama back to basics,” said lead candidate Mark Croxford. “We’re committed to ensuring reliable roads, fair rates, efficient waste management, and vibrant recreational spaces. These are the fundamental services that make our community strong.” Our election campaign platform includes: ● Roads: Prioritising well-maintained, smooth roads, better parking, and safer crossings, especially for seniors, families, and people with disabilities. ● Rates: Keeping rates affordable through sensible budgeting, promoting responsible development, and proposing differential rates to address the population surge during holiday periods. ● Rubbish: Enhancing waste management by improving rubbish collection, promoting recycling, and implementing innovative strategies to meet community needs. ● Recreation: Investing in parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, and programs that promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement.  "Back to Basics" isn’t just a slogan; it’s a commitment to refocusing on the core services that keep Kiama thriving. Become a Good Neighbour Support your local by giving great journalism a helping hand“We need a Council that listens and delivers on the basics,” Croxford added. “Our team has the energy and experience to make this happen, ensuring cost-effective outcomes for our residents.” Croxford also emphasised the importance of keeping party politics out of local government: “Party political agendas have no place in our Council. We’re here to serve our community, not external interests.” The "Your Community Candidates" team includes: ● Mark Croxford: Experienced government adviser and community advocate. ● Rob Bartlett: Chartered Accountant and local business owner dedicated to boosting tourism and hospitality. ● Darren Ormsby: Small business owner with a strong background in logistics, advocating for the NDIS program. ● Les Camarda: Semi-retired business owner with decades of experience in the aluminium manufacturing industry and a strong commitment to community support and development. ● Mick O'Toole: Former NSW Police Superintendent with extensive community service in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra areas. For more details on the "Your Community Candidates" campaign visit https://yourcommunitycandidates.com.au/Media Contact: Mark Croxford 0422 404 149 [email protected]

Kiama Downs local Yasmin Tatrai will lead a team of locals who are committed to making the Kiama Municipality a great place to live by getting council back on track. “Kiama is a great place to live, work and raise a family, but poor leadership has meant that our council has lost its way, and we need a team of people with energy and experience to get council back on track. My team is that team,” Ms Tatrai said. Our plan for Kiama Council is: Fixing the budget: We need people with real life experience who know how to read a balance sheet and ensure our council finances are run like any household or business.Keeping rates low: We are committed to ensuring we run an efficient council, so ratepayers don’t pick up the bill for bad decisions.Supporting balanced and sustainable development: We want to work with Gareth Ward and the NSW Government to progress the Bombo Quarry redevelopment and oppose development that will change the character of our community. “I want to be up-front and transparent about our political beliefs. Whilst we are all members of the Liberal Party, we are not running an official Liberal Party ticket so we can respond to local issues, but we want to be up-front about the values we represent. “Let’s be frank. The current elected council is either Green-Labor or aligned with the Greens and Labor. They have had their chance, and council is in its current position because of their poor leadership. We have the energy and experience to change this council for the better and get Kiama Council back on track. “If we don’t fix the budget, we risk rates going up and further fire-sales of public assets like public parking. It’s time for strong, strategic and sensible leadership,” Ms Tatrai concluded.  About our candidatesYASMIN TATRAIYasmin and her husband Roger live at Kiama Downs. Yas has run a large-scale event production business which has included running large events at venues all over the country including venues like Eastern Creek. Yas has managed a security business and worked in NSW Health for over 10 years with a specific focus in working with people with disabilities and their carers. Yas' business, government and corporate experience provide a diverse background and she will bring these skills to the council chamber. GAIL MORGANGail is a long-term Kiama resident, poet and acclaimed author. Gail has lived and worked all over the world, from Sydney, Alice Springs, London, France and New Guinea. Gail is a lover of music and is passionate about seeing more live music in the Kiama CBD. HENRY STREAMERHenry is a life-long Kiama local. He attended local schools and graduated from Wollongong University with a Bachelors of Economics and Finance and holds a Certificate of Executive Management and Development from UNSW Business School. Henry works for the banking and finance industry in Wollongong and previously in a local bank branch in Kiama. He is keen to use his experience and expertise to help fix Kiama Council’s finances.Henry has also previously worked for Surf Life Saving Australia, assisting with the aerial patrol of Surf Beach and Kendalls Beach - keeping our community safe. SUZANNE MANSFIELDHaving lived in Kiama for more than 60 years, Sue is a passionate about our local community. A local business owner, mortgage broker and bank manager by trade, Sue has the experience to help get Kiama’s finances back on track.  An active member of the Kiama community, Sue has even taught Sunday school at local churches. Married to Allan, Sue has six children including twins who attended Kiama High. DAN HILLDan Hill is a long-term Kiama Downs resident and teacher with the Department of Education. Dan has a young family and understands the cost-of-living pressures facing our community. Dan cares deeply about our local environment and is strongly opposed to the offshore wind farm proposal. ANDREW PROSSEROwner of Gerringong small business Stoic Brewery, Andrew wants to see council run efficiently like any business. Andrew wants to see council cut red tape and encourage more locals to go into business in the Kiama area. Andrew is a passionate believer that people with skills and real-life experience are required as part of the leadership of Kiama Council.   

As the Kiama Council election approaches, Councillor Matt Brown is once again running for office, bringing with him a formidable team dedicated to serving the community. The Bugle is pleased to introduce his team members and highlight the extensive experience and commitment they bring to the table.Cr Matt Brown, BMath, LLB(Hons), MBA(Executive): having deep roots in Kiama, from his days as Kiama High School Captain to his roles as a Council lifeguard and co-owner of Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Matt can reflect on his lifelong dedication to the community. A former corporate lawyer and local Member of Parliament for 12 years, Matt has been an active volunteer surf lifesaver and a council member since 2016. As the founding and current Chair of Destination Kiama, Matt bridges the gap between private enterprise and government. His successful negotiations, lobbying efforts, and grant acquisitions have significantly benefited the local community, evident in projects like the Kiama Coastal Walk, Kiama High upgrade, and North Kiama Bypass. With extensive public administration experience, Matt is committed to keeping the Council “Fit for the Future” to prevent forced amalgamation, improving the lifestyle of residents, enhancing leisure facilities, and supporting sustainable housing and community-benefiting events.Danielle Steel: has a lifelong connection to Kiama, from her childhood and schooling at Kiama High School to her family's longstanding local businesses and her father's 25 years as a councillor, giving her a profound understanding of the community's needs. With extensive experience in the hospitality and tourism industries and a senior business development role in a multinational building materials manufacturer, Danielle offers a unique perspective on local business challenges. Her vision focuses on fiscal responsibility and driving value for residents while ensuring the council operates efficiently.Brendan Russell: Born and bred in Kiama, Brendan's involvement in local sporting clubs and his success in the 1995 Australian Championships highlight his active community participation. As a business owner of multiple small enterprises, including restaurants and a legal firm, Brendan is passionate about creating opportunities for young families. His commitment to sensible council decisions aims to provide value for ratepayers and residents.Kane Presland, BCom: a distinguished Kiama High School graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Kane is dedicated to improving mental health in the community. His involvement in the Veteran Surf Project and Waves of Thinking underscores his commitment. As the manager of Penny Whistlers, one of Kiama's busiest cafés/restaurants, Kane understands the housing and employment challenges faced by his generation. He is eager to address these issues on the Council.Joan Comber, BOptom, MOptom: a long-standing Kiama Downs resident and former independent optometry practice owner, Joan continues to serve the community even in retirement. As a scripture teacher and active member of the Kiama Anglican Church, Joan's dedication is unwavering. Her leadership in the Zonta Club of Wollongong and decades of healthcare service position her to address the needs of local businesses and ageing residents effectively.Together, Councillor Matt Brown and his team represent a blend of experience, dedication, and vision for Kiama's future. Their diverse backgrounds and deep community ties equip them to address the pressing issues facing the region. From enhancing local amenities to ensuring fiscal responsibility and supporting sustainable development, this team is committed to making Kiama the best place to live, work, and retire. The Bugle proudly supports their mission to improve the quality of life for all Kiama residents.

Kiama Greens are excited to announce their team for the 2024 Council elections Kiama Greens – Standing up for What MattersMelinda Lawton leads this diverse and committed group. She is an accomplished executive leader and design specialist with a wealth of experience in project management, design and construction sectors. She is a team player, specialising in finding creative solutions to complex problems. Melinda is currently working with Waminda, a dedicated Aboriginal female-led organisation ensuring services and wrap-around support for their Shoalhaven community.Jordan Casson-Jones, the 2021 Kiama Young Citizen of the year, brings youth to the team as the youngest candidate to be endorsed by the Greens. He is acutely aware of the impact of cost of living and lack of housing options for young people and has been involved in the campaign for more mental health services in Kiama LGA. Mark Whalan has grown up in Kiama. His experiences in local journalism and social media, gives him an astute awareness of the concerns of the local community. With a keen knowledge of local heritage and character, he sees preserving the best of the old with the best of the new is important as Kiama experiences the impacts of growth and change. Andrew Sloan is well known and respected as a previous councillor and Deputy Mayor. He is a civil engineer specialising in water infrastructure. He has a passion for the expansion of renewable energy into powering local communities as they switch to an electric future. Stuart Hall, a retired schoolteacher from Werri Beach, is well respected by the many local kids that have been in his care. Stuart has specialised in integrating the natural world with his work and has qualifications in permaculture, horticulture and “Green” education. Our candidates are very aware that the last council term was characterised by decisions that split the community and created disharmony within the council. Some in the community now feel distrust, with others left confused by processes that were clearly, not open and transparent. The next term of Council requires a viable long term financial plan to be developed, achievement of the Performance Improvement Order tasks and commencement of the Growth and Housing Strategy. For these programs to succeed, Councillors and staff must work together respectfully to avoid the internal division we have recently seen. The community must also feel that it is trusted and heard throughout the change process. The Growth and Housing Strategy has the potential to change the character of the whole area. The community needs confidence that the change ahead will not reduce local amenity and quality of life for existing residents. Kiama Greens have a rich, thirty-year history of representation on Council, working to ensure that community values are part of all decision making. Electing this team as councillors in September will continue that history of representation. For further information, contact Melinda Lawton on 0403201968 or email the candidates via [email protected] or our website at https://kiamagreens.org.au Attached is a summary of the principal policy positions the Greens candidates will be taking to the election. Authorised by Howard R Jones, 407 Free Selectors Road, Foxground NSW 2534 Printed by Bomaderry Printing, Unit 1, Concorde Way, Bomaderry NSW 2541

Kiama Labor have announced their team for the upcoming Council elections with a mix of incumbent councillors and new contenders. Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma and Councillor Stuart Larkins are attempting to hold their positions in the strife torn council.Newcomers are mother of two Lucy Abood, law student Harry Ledger and retired school teacher Clare McInerney.President of the Kiama Branch of the Labor Party Katelin McInerney said the team reflected the need for intergenerational civic leadership and the Labor values of diversity, teamwork and leadership. “As President of the Kiama Branch I’m pleased to commend the Kiama Labor team to the community for the September 2024 Council elections,” she said. “Imogen and Stuart have done a great job on Council in the face of difficult challenges. The additional three members bring both energy and experience to the team.” Deputy Mayor Imogen Draisma said it was important that the new council remained focused on its financial sustainability and governance into the future. “Within the next term of council we will still have the Performance Improvement Order for two years. During our term, Clr Larkins and I pushed hard for transparency and financial accountability as we believe the leaders of our community should be trustworthy, open and honest with constituents. I am seeking re-election, along with Clr Larkins as we believe there needs to be a mixture of returning and new councillors to ensure local decision making stays in local hands and that our Council remains a non-amalgamated entity.”Councillor Larkins said he was running to ensure local government in Kiama remained independent with local democratic control. “I can assure the community that if re-elected I will continue to work tirelessly to represent the interests of everyone in our community,” he said. “I love helping people in our community and I would love to continue doing so in the next term of council.”Third on the ticket, Lucy Abood, said: "As a mother of two young children, ensuring we have quality early childhood education, affordable housing options, and a liveable environment for families is extremely important to me. I will be a strong voice advocating for these issues and more if elected to council."Also on the ticket is Clare McInerney, who has lived in Kiama for the past 35 years. As a retired high school teacher and deputy principal she is a strong advocate for public education.Youngest contender, Harry Ledger, is only 19 years old, which makes him one of the youngest candidates to ever nominate for Kiama Municipal Council. He is currently studying Law. Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of NSW.