While the entire state is lamenting the fact that it will be another 119 days to the next public holiday (here at The Bugle, we call it the Long Winter), the King’s Birthday holiday allows us to honour those in our community that make invaluable contributions, on a daily basis. There was an expectation from some that the road to a republic might have gained some momentum following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 – however this has yet to eventuate. And given the sorry state of affairs that is currently the experience in the greatest republic of them all, we don’t think that there’ll be a renewed push any time soon. But anyway, enough of the elitest talk about heads of state, and princes and kings – at the end of the day everyone can get behind a three-day weekend, a sleep-in and another crack at doing the hedges. And we can certainly support such a day if it means recognition for people like Raymond Strong, Joan Crabb, Belinda Mackinnon, Andrew Sweeney and Ashley Sullivan – all of whom have contributed to our community in different and invaluable ways. Particularly in the case of Mr Sullivan, his tireless dedication over three decades with the State Emergency Service has literally saved lives across our community, the Northern Rivers of NSW and even in the north-western state of Idaho, USA. With more wild weather (what happened to the above-average winter temperatures that were predicted only two weeks ago?!) and the threat of floods and storms on the horizon, we are lucky Mr Sullivan and the Kiama unit of the SES will be here to assist. The stories and contributions of these King’s Day Honour recipients have been covered by The Bugle and as we have always said – what makes this community great, is its people. It’s not only these five individuals, but it’s also all the operators and business owners who contributed towards Kiama again being recognised as NSW’s Top Tourism Town, and the people who will make events like the forthcoming Winter Street Festival, another success.As we roll into a very chilly long winter, The Bugle’s View is that we should be celebrating our local heroes and our community, year-round. Not just in the summer and warmer months where our landscapes are their most pristine and accessible, but also when we need to hunker down and all get a little bit closer and warmer!So, over the next couple of months, make sure you get out and about and embrace what makes us not only the best tourist town, but the best town overall – our community.

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.

This week's edition of The Bugle celebrates Kiama's fantastic achievement of winning the NSW Top Tourism Town award for a second straight year.In case you missed it, Kiama has enhanced its reputation as one of Australia's top holiday destinations by winning NSW's Top Tourism Town award for the second year in a row.Click here to view our latest editionThe prestigious award was announced on Tuesday at the NSW Local Government Destination and Visitor Economy Conference in Kingscliff. Kiama has now qualified for national honours later this year.There is also plenty of great community stories including a column from former Mayor Neil Reilly, local National Sorry Day commemorations, a Gerringong legend who is turning 105, Stoic Brewery getting national recognition and all the action from the inaugural South Coast Cup surfing tournament with plenty of great photos as well.You can also read about the latest updates from Council, Group Seven's inaugural Magic Round, Cedar on Collins' wonderful Biggest Morning Tea and all about the upcoming Kiama Creative Business Summit.As always, there is much, more for you to read in this week's edition with an article on a local Parkinson's support group, the scourge of microplastics and what the decision to end the Dapto Dogs means for the local greyhound racing industry.Our intrepid photographer Brian Scott has taken lots of new pictures of our local sporting community, there is a full list of What's On in our region and our puzzles page filled with brain teasers.

A few short weeks ago, the Bureau of Meteorology advised in its long-range forecast overview, that rainfall is likely to be below average in parts of the south-west, the east, and much of the north of Australia. Fast-forward to last week, and parts of the Mid-North Coast have seen record rainfall and resultant devastating floods.In Taree, more than 500mm of rain has fallen in the past week – more than five times the monthly average. In the region, more than 500 properties have been declared uninhabitable as the clean-up begins for the more 10,000 homes and businesses that have been affected by this latest weather event. Tragically, five people have lost their lives.Closer to home, we were not spared the impacts of last week’s deluge with Swamp Road and Macquarie Pass closed due to localised flood waters. And while not directly related to flooding, the inclement weather contributed to our newly re-elected Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, having a very unfortunate encounter with a kangaroo while driving on Forest Road. Members of Parliament, 1, Australian mascots, 0.It was this time last year where our community was hit hard by the 2024 autumn storms along the east coast of the state. Kiama received more than one and a half times the average autumn rainfall in 2024. And who can forget 2022 where we had the most rainfall in our community since records began around 1913. While The Bugle does not seek to wade into the climate wars, it does seem like these wild weather events are becoming more and more prevalent. Just this week, the Bureau of Meteorology predicted damaging winds in the region, and who knows what is in store for us for the rest of autumn and into winter (despite what the long-range forecast says). With a lot of planned growth on the horizon, we need to make sure that the planning decisions we make do not inadvertently put more people in harm’s way. Last year, the Dido Street subdivision was effectively struck out by Kiama Council and the Southern Region Planning Panel due to flood and evacuation risk – the Dido Street Bridge goes underwater during some flood events, meaning the existing and future residents would be cut off from emergency services or escaping the flood waters. Council noted that this has happened four times in the last two decades. Interestingly, the Dido Street Bridge also services Glenbrook Drive – the location of the five housing lots that Council owns but is unable to sell due to a State Government caveat. Does this mean that development proposals for these five lots also might be rejected?While we need to address housing supply and affordability to ensure our community continues to prosper, this needs to be balanced with increasing instances of wild weather and flooding. The Bugle’s View is that when weighing up these decisions, we need to be mindful of what matters most.

The surprise decision by the National Party to walk away from the Liberals this week is not good news for the diversity of the political landscape.On the South Coast it will mean Labor’s stranglehold will likely continue for many years to come. Wherever your political allegiances lie, there is always a need for the sitting members to be kept on their toes by the one thing they dread the most - being voted out of office. At a federal level, Fiona Phillips earlier this month was returned for her third term in Gilmore, turning what was the most marginal seat in the country into one where she ended up winning by a fraction over 5 per cent on a two-party preferred basis from Liberal rival Andrew Constance.It is still considered a marginal seat but it will take an almighty turnaround at the next election for the Liberals under new leader Sussan Ley to claw back the carnage that they suffered at the ballot box on May 3.Phillips is surrounded by Labor comrades - Kristy McBain to the south at Eden-Monaro, and Carol Berry in Whitlam and Alison Byrnes in Cunningham to the north - apart from Angus Taylor retaining the inland seat of Hume for the Liberal Party. For Kiama, there is at least a break in the Labor monopoly at federal level with Indpendents in Mayor Cameron McDonald at the helm of Council and Gareth Ward the state MP.The Illawarra and South Coast has had a history of being neglected by state and federal governments when it comes to vital infrastructure because it is viewed primarily as Labor heartland due to the region’s working class generations of yesteryear.When it comes to feeding the hungry mouths of Australia’s many state and federal electorates, the marginal seats get preferential treatment when it comes to spreading the Budget resources. With the Nationals separating from the Liberals, it means the once mighty Coalition is no longer a threat to Labor because neither party has a chance at forming government on its own.They could of course reunite next month, next year or well before the next election if they patch up their differences over key policies, which they are saying revolve around a regional Australia future fund, supermarket regulations, phone and internet coverage in the bush and nuclear energy.The flip side to this stunning development is that it’s another feather in the cap of the “teal” independents and the minor parties who have increased their percentage of the vote in recent years. Australia’s political landscape, particularly in the Illawarra and South Coast, needs diversity of opinion and policy to give everyone a chance to be heard. In our region, generational loyalty should not mean missing out on housing, highway or any other funding because pork barrelling is required in other parts of the country where politicians are fearful of getting the boot.

Please note that this blog is paid contentI’m just an average Aussie bloke but I can no longer contain my anguish and outrage … I must express it by publicly protesting the continuing death and destruction occurring in Gaza and the West Bank of the Middle East.The TV footage of injured, dead and emaciated women and children reduces me to tears and has me looking around for ways I may be able to help them.What is happening is obscenely inhumane and it should not be happening to our fellow human beings in our day and age after all our lessons of history.Look beyond the mainstream media that obscures the truth, do your own research, and you will share my anguish about the hurt and suffering of these people. (For a free, balanced view, click here) You and I can do something about it.It’s an opportune time for personal action, to write today to our newly elected federal government and request it to make our country stand proud again among nations by: starting and continuing to protest, in the strongest terms, the relentless predations on and the starving of these people until all the dreadful hurt and suffering in Gaza and the West Bank stops, andby insisting that Israel and the US immediately and permanently commit to the right of nationhood for the people of Gaza and the West Bank on their own land, and to just simply respect the human rights of all humankind.Graham PikeJamberoo

Surprising? Shocking? Tremendous? Anti-climatic? These are just some of the words that locals have used to describe the election result for the electorate of Gilmore. After all was said and done, our community along with most of the country sided with Fiona Phillips and Labor.The current count shows a +4.7% swing to Phillips and Labor, underpinned by a first preference swing of +2.3% - similar to the national results. Liberal challenger, Andrew Constance saw his first preference margin evaporate on the night with a decrease in his popular vote of more than 7%. The result in Gilmore in some ways reflected the national mood with the community also shunning the local Greens candidate Debbie Killian.The Greens will lose three out of their four Lower House seats and would have been wiped off the House of Representatives map except for the efforts of Elizabeth Watson-Brown in the seat of Ryan in Brisbane’s western suburbs.Most of the Greens and Liberal vote in Gilmore seems to have been redirected towards Labor and Berry-based independent Kate Dezarnaulds. Whilst initially surmising that she had captured 13% of the first-preference vote prior to campaign officially starting, Dezarnaulds was unable to replicate the independent-wave that was seen in last year’s Kiama Local Government elections and ended up with just 7.7% of the vote. Nevertheless, when it comes to Gilmore, the community has largely rejected the Greens' agenda in favour of a more pragmatic and holistic approach that has been championed by a number of independent candidates.So now the stage is set.We are not scheduled to have another major election until 13 March 2027 which is when the next NSW State election will be held. This means there are around 630-odd days of ‘clear air’ where policy makers, bureaucrats and politicians can make big and bold decisions, allocate significant investment and genuinely improve the livelihoods of people in our community.Big road upgrades like the Nowra Bypass, Jervis Bay Road Flyover, and the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass? Yes, we want them, and quickly.The Nowra Riverfront precinct? Sure, why not.Upgrades to the Kiama Surf club? Yes please.And while we are at it, how about some investment into local services and enabling infrastructure that will help deliver housing? Sewer and water for a start, and perhaps some local road upgrades around our town centres?In periods of political stability there’s great opportunity to make courageous decisions and enact real change. Equally, there’s a possibility of malaise, more of the same and not much getting done at all.The Bugle’s View is that now that the country has delivered Labor a resounding victory and we have quite a long runway till the next possible change in Government – we need to keep all levels of Government, honest and get what our community deserves.

By Stephanie Little, Illawarra Pet PhotographyAfter nearly three years in animal shelters and foster homes Biggie deserves a loving family to call his own for the rest of his days.After being found on the streets as a stray and not claimed, Biggie was very close to the worst fate ever for dogs in shelters.Best Friends For Ever Illawarra heard about Biggie and stepped in to save him and he has been in their care along with his foster family since.Named after the late American rapper known as Biggie Smalls, he is a seven-year-old Staffy cross.He is super friendly and perfect with children of all ages. Biggie is house trained and has impeccable manners, learns very quickly and has no issue being home alone while his foster dads are at work.Biggie with one of his foster carers. He loves cuddles and playing with all his toys - Biggie hasn't been introduced to any cats so it is unknown if he would be suitable in a home with feline occupants.He has been in a home as the only dog while in foster care but he does like interacting with other dogs on his walks.Can you give Biggie his forever home?Best Friends Forever Illawarra does a fantastic job looking after and rehoming dogs like Biggie that find themselves homeless.Unfortunately they have lost their facility at Yellow Rock and are now on the lookout for a new venue where they can continue their great work in helping homeless animals.If you are interested or would like more information on adopting Biggie or think you can help or have any ideas on locating a new headquarters, contact Tay from Best Friends Forever Illawarra Illawarra at [email protected] or send a message via their Facebook page.---------------------------------------------------------ALSO - just in! Prada, Beautiful staffy cross bull terrier needs a new home. Sounds like scooby doo. She’s fun and playful and has the most beautiful, loyal and loving nature. She loves being active and needs some space to roam. Desexed, fully vaxxed and microchipped. Very loved 2 and a half year old and it is heartbreaking I cannot have her anymore. Please reach out to [email protected]

As the last of the corflutes are packed away and the campaign coffee carts disappear, Kiama takes a collective breath. The Bugle extends congratulations to Fiona Phillips, who returns to Canberra as the Member for Gilmore. Regardless of where your vote landed, it's no small feat to stand for public office, and a major job to represent a region as passionate and complex as ours.Meanwhile, post-election debriefs are happening around dinner tables and across pillows. Political opposites may attract, but tensions can run high when one half of a couple cheers for a candidate the other swears never to trust with a compost bin, let alone a policy portfolio. If things got heated in your household, may we suggest a diplomatic walk along the Kiama coastal path – ideally in silence until feelings thaw, much like the weather.A heartfelt cheer to all the mums this week– biological, bonus, grand, step, adoptive, foster and otherwise – who somehow keep their families stitched together while managing to find matching socks and lost permission slips. Whether you're being spoiled with breakfast in bed or just hoping someone else loads the dishwasher, you deserve more than a scented candle and a rushed card.Until next time, keep warm, be kind to each other (especially across the political divide), and ring your mum.

Please note that this blog is paid contentI have been absolutely humbled to represent this amazing community in our Parliament since 2019.It has certainly been a tumultuous few years with bushfires, floods, a global pandemic and cost of living pressures being felt by every corner of our community.What I love about this community is its enduring spirit. I have been so honoured to stand with you, and I have proudly delivered much needed support for local people, businesses, community groups and councils right across our region.As part of the Albanese Labor Government, we have brought inflation down from above 6 per cent to 2.4 per cent, and we’re seeing interest rates start to come down.That’s on top of real wage increases for our lowest-paid workers, increased rent assistance, and increased JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other income support payments.That’s good news for local people.Locally, I’ve delivered funding for projects such as a headspace for Kiama and the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club.I’ve also delivered funding for local schools, local roads, and support for dozens of local community groups.There’s so much more to do, and I am delighted that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver $512,000 to upgrade the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club and $840,000 for Gerringong District All Sports to upgrade its clubhouse at Gerry Emery Oval.We will also deliver brand new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics at Nowra and Shellharbour.Labor’s economic plan is all about helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn. We’ll deliver tax cuts for every tax payer, along with energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, cheaper childcare, Free TAFE and slashing 20 per cent student debt.This will make a difference right now.We’ll help local first home buyers get into homes sooner, for less, and we’re increasing supply to keep rents lower.We’re also delivering the biggest boost ever to Medicare so more local people can see a GP for free. And, we’ll deliver the cheapest, cleanest form of energy with our renewables plan and cheaper batteries.On May 3, local people face a real choice between Labor’s plan for a better future, and Dutton’s plans to cut services to pay for his $600 billion nuclear scheme.With your support, I hope to continue delivering for the Kiama region.Authorised by Fiona Phillips, Australian Labor Party, 3/59 Junction St Nowra NSW 2541

We are almost here folks - the end is nigh.Yes, we are talking (again) about the federal election this Saturday and the most important decision our community will make this year.As of last Saturday, exactly one week before polling day, almost 2.4 million people had cast their vote early.That’s around 400,000 more people than at the same period of the election campaign in 2022. And this also takes into account the Anzac Day and Easter holidays that reduced the length of pre-poll days in the lead-up to the big day.The pre-poll vote number will grow as the trend for early voting has increased. It seems the democracy sausage is losing out to people’s desire to avoid the queues, traffic and the tradition of running the gauntlet of volunteers shoving how-to-vote cards in your face.As we predicted, there has been almost wall-to-wall coverage of our electorate across national news publications. Here’s just a snippet:“How a sense of betrayal brought a major complication to a battleground seat” from Nick O’Malley at The Sydney Morning Herald is a profile piece on the big three contenders being Labor incumbent Fiona Phillips MP, Liberal contender Andrew Constance and Climate 200-backed Berry local Kate Dezarnaulds.In particular, the article focuses on Constance and his "backflip" on climate action following the Black Summer fires of 2020.Sinead Mangan at ABC News has highlighted Gilmore as one of the "Five seats that could change the course of the election" and profiled the plight of Kristy Alleson who has been forced to move house 13 times in three years.The housing crisis in Gilmore is very real and housing affordability and rental protections are at the top of her agenda.This follows a recent report from Cotality (formerly Corelogic) that the electorate of Gilmore is the 19th-most unaffordable electorate in Australia.“A holiday destination for some, but no one is coasting in Gilmore, Labor’s most marginal seat” writes Caitlin Cassidy and Jordyn Beazley, for The Guardian.Their piece focuses on the Black Summer fires of 2020, climate policy and the renewable energy debate.It also highlights an element that The Bugle has previously focused on – the Independent factor – with Dezarnaulds suggesting that she had about 13% of the vote, prior to her campaign’s official lunch.If she doesn’t end up as one of the last two standing, her preference flow may determine the winner.Our colleagues at The Illawarra Mercury have continued the focus on the Black Summer fires and climate policies more broadly in the “Gap widens in knife-edge seat of Gilmore, one of Australia’s most marginal”.They have highlighted polling conducted by YouGov during April 17 and 24 that showed Labor coming in at 54 per cent on a two-party preferred basis, compared to 46 per cent for the Coalition.Interestingly, in a dramatic flip from the 2022 results, Phillips attracted 36.2 per cent of the primary vote compared to 33.5 per cent for Constance.If this analysis is realised, it would represent an almost 10 per cent drop in his favourability since the 2022 election.Throughout all the coverage and content focusing on our community, there has been one constant: 373.That is the number of votes that stood between Phillips and Constance in 2022.Your vote will determine tangible outcomes related to housing, climate policy, cost of living.These issues will have a profound impact on all of us, over the next three years and beyond.The Bugle’s View is if you are not one of the 2.4 million people that has already voted in this election, please make sure you make a (formal) vote on or before this Saturday - the Gilmore electorate is one of the few places in the country where it really will matter.

Please note that this blog is paid contentOur community knows better than most the real impact of climate change.We were completely devastated by the 2019-20 bushfires along the South Coast, and we’ve been hit by flood after flood – we are experiencing climate change right now.The Liberals continue to deny this reality, but action to address it has never been more urgent.To help communities improve resilience and reduce risk, the Albanese Labor Government is delivering our $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund, and I was so proud to deliver nearly $4.5 million under the Infrastructure Betterment Fund to improveJamberoo Mountain Road, Foxground Road and Wallaby Hill Road.Labor has maintained a consistent energy policy. We are committed to reducing carbon emissions and upholding our international obligations such as the Paris Agreement – which the Liberals could withdraw from.  The Albanese Labor Government has already lifted our country’s emission reduction target from 26 per cent to 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 to welcome energy investment from around the world. We’ve also legislated to bring the Climate Change Authority back to play a real and meaningful role in providing independent, science-based advice.To give people more choice to drive cleaner, cheaper to run cars, we’ve passed new Vehicle Efficiency Standards, and the National Electric Vehicle Strategy is increasing the supply and affordability of electric vehicles. The fastest way to put downward pressure on power prices is to increase supply and transition to renewables.Local people and businesses know that renewables are the cheapest and cleanest form of energy.We are a rooftop solar powerhouse, with over 33,000 installations.A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver 30 per cent – or around $4,000 – off the cost of a typical home battery. This will slash up to 90 per cent off energy bills from day one.This is also good news for the grid because it means getting more cheap, fast, safe solar energy available in our homes night or day, when and where it’s neededThe Liberal Party’s $600 billion nuclear scheme will simply cost too much, take too long, and push bills up.Under Labor, we are well on our way to transforming Australia’s energy system to a reliable 82 per cent renewable grid backed by storage, gas and transmission. Only Labor’s plan will deliver cleaner, cheaper energy faster.Authorised by Fiona Phillips, Australian Labor Party, 3/59 Junction St, Nowra NSW 2541

Please note that this blog is paid contentThree years ago, I made a promise to the people of Gerringong that I would help deliver a new surf club for our community, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.I was so delighted to stand alongside Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club members of all ages, including excited nippers and proud club stalwarts, to officially open the new clubhouse in March.I’m proud to have delivered $5.5 million as part of the Albanese Labor Government for a magnificent, purpose-built club house that not only looks great, it is a super functional asset for local people.The new home will help secure the future of patrolling on Werri Beach and support the community, especially the development of our young nippers.It is a community sanctuary the club can be extremely proud of.I congratulate club president Gary George and the executive team, and builder Bluestone, who have worked tirelessly on this major project that will be enjoyed by members for decades to come.Our surf life saving volunteers play such an important role in educating our community and keeping locals and visitors safe on our beaches, and I will always support them.That is why, after delivering for Gerringong, I now want to deliver for the Kiama community as well - with $512,000 to upgrade the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club under a re-elected Albanese Labor Government. The Kiama SLSC has had a tough few years, and the community has truly rallied around the club to help raise enough money to fix its damaged roof.This shows just how important this club is for local people. Surf clubs play such a crucial role, and I was so delighted to meet with president Phil, club captain Natasha, and publicity officer Kate recently to hear about the inspirational work the club is doing.With over 400 members, including 283 nippers, 74 patrolling members and 20 cadets under the age of 14, the club is an essential part of the Kiama community. For young people in particular, the Kiama SLSC provides a sense of place, community and safety, supporting good mental health and leading to better outcomes for young people. This funding will upgrade the club's facilities and make it a fit-for-purpose space for training and social activities for its members, as well as providing a source of income to help the club become more self-sufficient.  I am proud to be part of this community, and proud to be delivering for the South Coast. Authorised by Fiona Phillips, Australian Labor Party, 3/59 Junction St, Nowra NSW 2541

Please note that this blog is paid contentAccess to affordable healthcare is absolutely vital for our community. That’s why I will always fight for improved local health services, cheaper medicines and more bulk-billing.I have been working hard to strengthen Medicare to get better outcomes for locals, and I’m thrilled that South Coast residents will get more free visits to the GP under are-elected Albanese Labor Government.Labor’s $8.5 billion investment in Medicare is the largest ever and means more local families and retirees will only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, toreceive the healthcare they need.Local doctors have told me the initiative will allow them to provide high-quality, fully bulk-billed consultations, ensuring that no one has to choose between their healthand other financial priorities.I have seen the amazing success of the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic I delivered, with more than 12,500 people through the doors since the clinic opened,and I know how much we need that additional health care here in the north of the electorate too.That's why I am delighted that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will also open more urgent care clinics at Nowra and Shellharbour.The clinics will operate seven days a week, and will take pressure off our local hospital emergency departments, greatly improving access to healthcare in ourregion.I’m also proud to have delivered headspace Kiama to support our young people, a free walk-in adult Medicare Mental Health Hub in Nowra which will soon beupgraded, and $22.5 million to build Australia’s first Indigenous Birthing on Country facility on the South Coast.The amazing South Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic is helping women from Helensburgh to the Victorian border and, under a re-elected AlbaneseGovernment, will be expanded to include menopause care as part of our over $790 million women’s health package.We’re also increasing funding to train and keep more doctors, nurses and midwives in regional areas like ours, and only Labor will deliver cheaper medicines, with ascript to cost no more than $25 under the PBS from 1 January 2026.The contrast this election is clear: cheaper healthcare with a re-elected Albanese Labor Government, or Peter Dutton who wants to demolish Medicare.I will always keep working to ensure our community can get the healthcare they need close to home. Authorised by Fiona Phillips, Australian Labor Party, 3/59 Junction St, Nowra NSW 2541

As a mum of four and former teacher, I understand how important it is for a community to wrap its arms around our young people, and to support them in their time of need.Our young people were devastated after the challenges of COVID and a tough few years locally. That’s why I fought so incredibly hard for a headspace youth mental health service in Kiama.I spoke with kids, local schools and amazing community groups about what was needed and set about lobbying for a headspace service on their behalf. It wasn’t easy, with centres at Shellharbour and Nowra, but I wasn’t going to give up the fight until we won. And we did.I was so thrilled when headspace Kiama officially opened its doors in October 2024, and after only six months, it’s already having a massive impact on the lives of our young people in Kiama, Gerringong and surrounding areas.Cutting that green ribbon alongside the young people of Kiama who helped shape this essential service was a fabulous celebration, and it also recognised the resilience of a community that has had to bear way too much loss.Headspace Kiama manager Charo Serventy and his fantastic team have embraced our youth aged 12-24 and they’re providing mental health support as well as sexual health and drug and alcohol services, and helping young people reach their work and study goals.Opening headspace Kiama is one of my proudest achievements as your local Federal Member.As a true local, I will always fight for improved health and mental health service right across the South Coast.Only a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will strengthen Medicare, with more free trips to the doctor, cheaper medicines and more Urgent Care Clinics – where all you need is your Medicare card, not your credit card.This election is a choice between Labor's plan to keep building and strengthening Medicare, or Peter Dutton's promise to cut everything but your taxesI'm so proud to have delivered a local headspace in Kiama, and with your support, I will continue working hard for our community.Authorised by Fiona Phillips, Australian Labor Party, 3/59 Junction Street Nowra NSW 2541

With only three more weeks until the Federal election on May 3, both major parties have come out with signature policies which they think will directly address one of the biggest election issues that is facing the nation – housing. Labor’s policy centres around a $10 billion build to 100,000 homes specifically for first-home buyers. Simultaneously they will allow first home buyers access to 5 per cent deposits (purchasing a home normally requires a 10–20 per cent deposit) through a loan guarantee from the Federal Government.  The Liberal-National Coalition has announced it will allocate $5b to fund essential infrastructure like water, power and sewerage to unlock up to 500,000 new homes. In addition, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced that interest payments on mortgages taken out by first-home buyers on newly built homes would be tax deductible for five years.  There is a clear focus on first home buyers and ensuring "the Australian Dream" still exists for the younger generation, some of whom will be voting for the first time at this year’s election. Both parties have also committed to a two-year ban on foreign investors purchasing existing homes. While on paper, the policies are well meaning and well intended, they have been lambasted by economic and housing experts. Chris Richardson, a former Australian Treasury official and economic commentator labelled both parties’ platforms "a dumpster fire of dumb stuff", and Saul Eslake who has worked for ANZ and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch called the Coalition’s tax deduction on mortgage payments the "candidate for dumbest policy decision of the 21st century".  Ouch.  Ultimately, it comes down the laws of supply and demand. Tax offsets, subsidies and making it "easier" to purchase a home will inherently drive up demand. If this demand is chasing the same number of homes, prices will go up.  The national discourse on housing has collided with Kiama Municipal Council's draft Housing Strategy v2 that our community is currently reviewing in the context of our own housing predicament. As the most expensive place to buy a home in regional NSW and in the running (again!) for the Top Tourism Town in Australia award – this is an issue we must grapple with. Kiama Council has shown incredible foresight by reaching out to the community and running the Housing Strategy Forum at The Sebel, which laid bare the state of our situation and the needs for action.  We think community housing expert Natallie Allan put it best when she referenced historical news articles from the Kiama Independent. The articles covered "controversial" decisions that were decried at the time, but ultimately "all the things that we now look at and say this is the character of Kiama, were the things what we were arguing against when they came in". Another panellist, real estate expert Simon Kersten, noted it is almost impossible for a young person in Kiama to achieve buying their own home and Ms Allan noted that there were probably three people under the age of 30 in attendance at the Forum.  The Bugle’s View is that we need to change our ways, our thinking and our views. Our views can be our views, but we need to also understand that adopting self-righteous approach from some sections of our community might compromise the future and next generation of that very same community.

It’s that glorious shoulder season in Kiama - when summer's heat is a fading memory, autumn’s golden light starts creeping in, and suddenly Easter is right around the corner.You can feel the shift: the kids are counting down the last school days, the shops are lined with chocolate eggs in impossible-to-ignore positions, and parents are starting to quietly wonder how to keep the kids occupied for two whole weeks. Luckily Gerringong Bowlo have a fabulous new playground - just in time for the holidays!This year Kiama is delivering a school holiday line-up worthy of a chocolate-fuelled standing ovation.First up, Kiama Golf Club is bringing the fun with a jam-packed Easter-themed Saturday on 13 April. Kids Easter Craft runs from 3.30pm to 5pm, followed by a groovy Kids Disco from 6pm to 8pm. It’s just $5 per child per activity - grab your tickets at Club Reception before they hop away. And don’t forget, kids eat free every Sunday night with any main meal purchase. (Now that’s what we call a sweet deal.)Over at Kiama Leagues Club, the school holiday fun continues with an exciting calendar of kids’ events with a kids Disco on Thursday 17 April at 5pm – free entry! There's also free Kids Bingo on Tuesday 22 April at 11am – no bookings required, and a kids Magic Show on Thursday 24 April from 2:30 – just $10 per child (free for adults and under 2s). A great way to beat the holiday boredom without breaking the bank.Feeling creative? Palette Knife Fun is the perfect pick for teens and adults wanting to splash out. Guided step-by-step, you'll create a masterpiece of your choice using palette knife techniques. It's on during the holidays, strictly for ages 13 and up, and no experience is needed – just bring your imagination, snacks, and maybe an old shirt thanks to Expressive Art at their EAE Studio Kiama Downs Wednesday 16th April 1pm.Then on Easter Sunday (20 April), Yves is hosting a vibrant family lunch overlooking Kiama Harbour from 1pm to 3pm. There’ll be free kids' activities, including face painting, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and a classic Easter Egg Hunt. Meanwhile, grown-ups can enjoy great food, Easter-themed cocktails, and the smooth sounds of James Vann in the courtyard.And if you're after a truly egg-cellent afternoon of free fun, don’t miss the Easter Fun Day at Kiama Anglican Church, Saturday 19 April from 1 - 4pm. It’s become a Kiama tradition – and for good reason. Think Zorb Balls, Jumping Castles, face painting, crafts, games, and a giant egg hunt, all wrapped in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.Of course, for many, Easter is also a time of quiet reflection and community connection. Several local churches will be holding Good Friday and Easter Sunday services, open to all who wish to mark the occasion with meaning. Whether you attend out of tradition, faith, or curiosity, it’s a lovely way to pause and take in the spirit of the season.So whether you’re crafting, dancing, painting, praying, picnicking, or just trying to keep your sugar intake under control, there’s something for everyone this Easter in our LGA. Check out somewhere you haven’t been before - whether it’s Boneyard or 7 mile beach or further. We have a plethora of options North, South and West.Enjoy the holidays, take a breath, and may your hot cross buns always be fresh and your chocolate eggs safely hidden from sneaky snackers.

As we foreshadowed in our last edition of The Bugle View, the election has been called for 3 May 2025, alas, we were one week off in our prediction! However, we were right about one thing – the announcements and commitments from both sides of politics are coming thick and fast.As reported by The Bugle, Fiona Phillips MP recently spruiked the benefits for the division of Gilmore as a result of increased funding for the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program. Part of the $14 million boost will go to 18 sites in Gilmore from Ulladulla to Kangaroo Valley.Not to be outdone, Liberal candidate Andrew Constance announced an allocation of $840,000 to complete the Gerry Emery Oval clubhouse project at Gerringong. Mr Constance threw down the gauntlet to the incumbent Labor MP, challenging the Government to match the funding commitment. We are yet to hear a response.Here here, we say. The more the merrier. Show us the money!Our community is in a rare and unique position. As the most marginal key seat in this election, talking heads across the country will be commentating about Ms Phillips, Mr Constance and the division of Gilmore a lot over the coming weeks. Some pundits say that the result in Gilmore could be key to delivering a majority government.Last time around at the 2022 election, just 373 votes separate the two and the narrow victory to Ms Phillips handed Anthony Albanese a narrow majority. This time around, it could be a different story.While Ms Phillips won the seat, she received fewer first-preference votes than Mr Constance by around 6700 votes.Through the compulsory preferential voting system, the rest of 24,589 first-preference votes were filtered through all the other candidates until only Mr Constance and Ms Phillips remained, and ultimately this is where Ms Phillips won the day.Through preferences, the Labor incumbent was able to make up the 6700 vote deficit and come through with 372 votes to spare.So, whilst it looks to be a two-horse race in Gilmore, it may be those that initially vote for Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent), Debbie Killian (Greens) or Graham Brown (Family First), and how they preference other candidates, that will decide the result.Back in 2022, more than 5000 people or almost 5% of the voting population submitted informal votes. In an election where just 373 votes determined the result, this is a massive number. Whilst some of us no doubt submitted protest votes, others may have genuinely been trying to engage in their democratic right/duty but made a slight mistake. People, it might be a cliché in some parts of the country – but in Gilmore, your vote matters!Over the next four weeks, our votes will shape the country for the next three years. Sure, we want the major parties to show us the money and give us our fair share of funding, But if history is any judge – one in five of us will not put Labor or Liberal as our first preference and it is this 20% of the population that may hold the key to the election result for Gilmore.The Bugle View is that we all have a duty to vote, and vote correctly, because in Gilmore – our vote really matters.

Life is full of milestones, big and small, that deserve to be noted. Whether it’s a birthday, memorial, anniversary, new arrival, engagement, wedding or graduation, The Bugle’s digital app is the perfect place to share your news with the community.Best of all? It’s completely free to list your family notices!In a world where we are more connected than ever, taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate life’s important events brings us closer together. A simple notice can inform, and keep our community in touch with milestones - whether celebrating or commiserating. Listing your family notice is easy! Simply submit your details through The Bugle’s digital app, and we’ll take care of the rest. On the app go to the community button and click on Family Notices and list your details from there. Let’s keep Kiama connected - one special moment at a time.