Since 2014, The Bugle has been the Kiama region’s trusted source for local news. It was sold to Regional Media Group in 2023. The owner, Chantelle Farah, a submissions writer from Sydney with a background in journalism, saw an opportunity for her future by the sea.

The newspaper office meantime is managed by a local editorial team. The Bugle continues to be an independent paper, reflecting the lives and times in the Kiama LGA and is supported soley by business advertising and the occasional grant. Now printing weekly and distributed freely to the community, The Bugle can also be found online - a weekly edition and daily newsfeed.

Since newspapers began, stories and advertising have always sat alongside each other, with a clear demarcation between the two.

News stories are balanced, objective and informative; advertising is a paid platform to attract business or consumers. The Bugle, like all newspapers, relies on advertising to generate revenue.

It is important to note that the products, views or ideas being sold by advertisers are entirely separate to The Bugle’s journalistic integrity. Newspapers are simply vehicles carrying an advertiser’s message.

That message is not reflective of an editorial stance or point of view. As a small, community-run publication, advertising slots are offered to businesses, developers, multinational companies and local community organisations (at a discounted rate).

The Bugle’s values might not always align with those of advertisers but our role is to give a voice to the community, whether paid or unpaid.

The Bugle App is the digital stage in the evolution, allowing reporting on local news, sports and events in a timely manner, in addition to the fortnightly printed edition - which in it's nature needs to have longevity.

The further development of this app is a sign of the commitment to the Kiama community, at a time when local history and news matters more than ever.

The Bugle app is also designed as a community hub, to be a one-stop source of information about local businesses, community groups and, even the surf.

The Kiama Bugle is a free community newspaper, written by locals for locals.

Code of Editorial Conduct

We take our role as a journal of record for our community seriously, and have developed these policies to hold ourselves accountable as a reliable news source.

Reputation for integrity

Our articles will be honestly reported, and not influenced by advertising considerations. Reporting in The Bugle will aim for accuracy, fairness and disclosure of all the essential facts, and be respectful of personal privacy.

Our conduct will comply with the ethical standards expected of journalists.

Accuracy and clarity

We will check, our facts to ensure accuracy. If relevant aspects are unknown, we will highlight them. We will attribute facts to their source. Anonymous sources will be used with discretion.

Specialist terms (e.g. planning proposal) will be explained within their context, so that the wider community can understand the meaning or impact of the matter being reported.

We will refer back to earlier reporting on the matter in question or give readers the opportunity to consult more information by providing links (e.g. to reports available at the Council’s website).

Any mistakes that are brought to our attention will be rectified through a clarification in a later edition.

Fairness and balance

We will obtain material for our articles in a fair manner, by identifying ourselves and our intent to report. We will disclose to readers any conflicts of interest that could be seen to affect our reporting on any issues.

We will strive for balanced reporting by collecting information from a variety of sources, in order to get a complete view of the issue at hand.

When appropriate, we will provide a fair opportunity for reply.

Privacy

We will respect the right to personal privacy in our reporting.

We will not disclose contact information to other parties.

We will be respectful in times of personal tragedy.

Handling of complaints

We welcome feedback about our stories, and any complaints received will be dealt with promptly.

If it is obvious that we have made an error, it will be corrected or clarified in our next issue.

If a person or an organisation feel that they have been misrepresented, we will discuss with them the best way to clarify their position.

As specified by the NSW Ombudsman, we will record the complaint and the supporting information, and file it on our records.

If we are unable to come to a mutually acceptable solution, we will inform the complainant of their ability to refer their complaint to the Australian Press Council, through our membership of the NSW Country Press Association. Go to: www.presscouncil.org.au/complaints/

The Council is the principal body with responsibility for responding to complaints about Australian newspapers, magazines and associated digital outlets, such as websites.

Most complaints result in a correction, apology or some other form of action being taken.

Where the complaint cannot be resolved without a formal adjudication, the publisher is required to publish the Council’s adjudication promptly and with due prominence.

Meet the Bugle team

Belinda Woodfield

General Manager

With a background in education and business, Belinda was appointed General Manager in 2023 and has navigated the Bugle to a weekly edition with enhanced digital coverage. Having won various awards at the last two Country Press Association awards, she is enjoying seeing where the newspaper will go. Hit her up for any of your local advertising needs and support local journalism.

belinda@thebuglenews.com.au

Paul Suttor

Editor

Paul joined the Bugle March 2025 and brings a wealth of experience from a journalism career spanning nearly three decades across major publications, including The Illawarra Mercury, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, The Sun-Herald, and NRL.com, where he has worked as a reporter, sub-editor and editor.

His passion for sports runs deep - he has been a player for many years in the South Coast District Cricket Association and dedicates his time to coaching in the Football South Coast junior soccer competition. His expertise will further enrich our coverage of news, political, community and sporting life.

editor@thebuglenews.com.au

Veronica Bardsley

Production and Graphics Manager

Veronica has a Bachelor of Arts in musical theatre, and a passion for dance and songwriting. With a business background in events management she transitioned to The Bugle in 2023 after working in media, admin and design. She loves her fur baby, Rory and is currently pursuing a journalism qualification.

veronica@thebuglenews.com.au

Lleyton Hughes

Journalist

Lleyton is a graduate from the University of Wollongong in Creative Writing and Journalism. He joined the Bugle in 2024. He is a local writer interested in film, books, sport and anyone who wants to share their story. He has his own film review website and plays Rugby League for the Warilla Gorillas and is our Sports and Arts contact. Currently corresponding from Europe!

lleyton@thebuglenews.com.au

Myah Garza

Journalist

Myah joined The Bugle after a recent move to the South Coast from the USA. Born in Chicago, she studied at UOW in 2023 and recently graduated from Indiana University. She’s passionate about travel, music, film, mindfulness, yoga - and discovering the stories of the people around her.

Myah@thebuglenews.com.au

Tiffany Springett

Digital Graphics

Tiffany has joined The Bugle part time. With a degree in creative arts, she lends her talent to our digital medium and is up-skilling on all things Bugle. She is a local resident and an artist herself.

Tiffany@thebuglenews.com.au

Amy Molloy

Feature Writer

Amy is an award-winning journalist, editor, author who produces uplifting content for the biggest names in global publishing. The founder of LightWriter Media, she is the writer behind the hit podcast, The Space and covers health and wellbeing, lifestyle and parenting, and lived experiences.@amy_molloy. A local Minamurra resident she has eyes on the local LGA.

Bellinda Dunn

Feature Writer & photographer

With a background across journalism; promotional; business; communication; and ministerial writing and editing – which includes stints at Choice magazine (product test writing) and Ciao magazine (inner west restaurant reviews), Bellinda is also a photographer and occasional actor, with a passion for travel, the Arts, nature, yoga and all things natural health. Currently studying for a law degree and living in Gerringong she is enjoying the quieter pace of life from Sydney.

hello@thebuglenews.com.au

Mark Emery

History Feature Writer

Mark was born and lived in Gerroa until 1980. He has a brother David and sisters Merelyn and Kathy. His mother was Elva and father Clive. He is related to the Emery, Walker and Chittick families of Gerringong. He was a primary school teacher for 38 years. With a rich history in the area he has a passion for delving into the archives of yesteryear and loves contributing to the Bugle in his retirement.

hello@thebuglenews.com.au

John Stapleton

Journalist

John spent a quarter of a century working as a general news reporter for two of Australia’s leading mastheads, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian. He is currently the editor of A Sense of Place Magazine and is the author of a number of books, including Terrorism in Australia: Workers’ Paradise Lost and Unfolding Catastrophe: Australia. He loves contributing to regional journalism.

hello@thebuglenews.com.au

Donna Portland

Writer

Donna Portland, is a multifaceted person whose career journey spans the realms of literature, journalism, and philanthropy. As the author of "Positive Habits Get Results" and a contributing writer at The Bugle Newspaper. Having moved from the Southern Highlands to the South Coast, she continues to be a part of Bugle Life.

hello@thebuglenews.com.au

John Gabriele

Columnist

John is a local horticulturist with over 40 years of experience in the field. Passionate about all things horticulture with a desire to pass on those skills and knowledge to a new generation of gardeners. Specialising in plant pests, diseases and disorders and vocational training in the horticulture sector. He is providing a broad range of services to the industry and gardening public through public speaking engagements, contributing writer to industry magazines, radio, television and consulting services. Check out his local video journalism here.

hello@thebuglenews.com.au

Brian Scott

Photographer

Retired teacher Brian Scott has a passion for everything sports. He is our intrepid photographer over most sport genres and has been tirelessly photographing for the Bugle for the past 9 years! You will see him on the sidelines and you can check out his fabulous sports photography each week in print and online.

hello@thebuglenews.com.au

Caryn Walsh

Columnist

Caryn is a local seasoned Psychotherapist, Life Coach, International Facilitator, and Trainer, with a global reach spanning three continents. Her expertise lies in cultivating personal and professional growth for individuals and leaders across various organisations. She is also the founder of 'Empowering Women to Thrive,' a local program aimed at empowering women. She loves her life in Kiama.

hello@thebuglenews.com.au

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