It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since I stepped into the "enviable" role of managing The Bugle here in Kiama.

In my very first week, an 80-hour whirlwind of learning the ropes, laying out pages, navigating local civic affairs and setting up CRMs, the first King's Birthday weekend arrived. After harbouring myself away indoors for days, upskilling and organising systems, I decided I’d earned a whale-watching walk. Kiama was buzzing. The Black Beach markets were in full swing, the harbour alive with holiday goers, and there was activity in every direction.

After a brisk walk I crossed the road near the Blowhole heading towards my car, when my day, and potentially my life, took a dramatic turn. Out of nowhere, a large Triton ute came tearing around the corner from the direction of the Anglican Church. I had one of those split-second realisations: I’m going to be hit. And then I was!

I remember being flung through the air, landing hard, and opening my eyes to a sea of shocked tourists. A couple of quick-thinking doctors stepped in, told me not to move, and called for the ambulance. As I lay there, stunned and bruised, I thought, I’m supposed to be reporting the news - not becoming it! Another thought - Or maybe someone has already taken umbrage to a story and I'm being targeted!!!

Adding insult to injury, the attending officer looked down and asked what I, now a 'local' , was doing out in Kiama on a public holiday. Apparently, the secret to surviving long weekends here is staying well clear of the precinct altogether.

In the months that followed, more than 20 pedestrian incidents crossed my desk, many fatal, from news feeds across the state. It was a sobering reminder that caution is demanded whenever we are near a road!

As for the King's Birthday itself, whether you’re a monarchist, a republican, or just grateful for the extra day off, it’s one of those peculiar public holidays that Australians mark in June regardless of the monarch’s actual birthdate (Charles was born in November, but we follow the tradition set for British weather).

It’s a moment to reflect on the evolving place of the Crown in Australian life - or just to enjoy a cuppa while watching the whales.

Either way, the King’s Birthday weekend continues to draw big crowds to our region. It’s a time when locals and visitors alike get a taste of Kiama’s winter unique charm - blowholes, brisk sea walks, busy cafés and, if you're lucky, a whale breach or two.

Enjoy the many activities and concerts happening this weekend! Just take care out there. Let’s keep the news about the whales - not the walkers.