Illawarra scholar and author Jan Merriman is on a mission - to give a voice to the often unrecognised women who helped shape literary history. It is a journey that started in the 1970s, when Jan was a young high school English teacher and Jane Austen’s novel Emma was set as the text for the HSC. For the past five decades Jan has immersed herself in the world of Austen, spending countless hours in libraries across the globe – from Oxford and Cambridge to Albion Park and Shellharbour – researching the famous author and those close to her. Later this month Merriman will host a talk at Kiama Library as part of the library’s six-month long celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. While much is known about Austen’s life, thanks in part to three volumes of perfectly preserved writings from her teenage years housed in the Bodleian Library, little is known about the women who inspired the much-loved novelist who is held in the same literary esteem as Shakespeare. “It’s wonderful to see so much interest in someone I have very much admired for so many years,” said Merriman, who is a member of the Australian, North American and UK Jane Austen societies. Merriman has written countless academic papers on Austen, presenting them at conferences and running workshops around the world celebrating the author. But one of her proudest achievements was researching and writing a novel about Jane Austen’s aunt Philadelphia Hancock, who played a significant role in the novelist’s life. The book, Jane Austen’s Remarkable Aunt Philadelphia Hancock, was an eight-year labour-of love for Merriman who pieced together the life of Philadelphia and her daughter Eliza (Jane’s first cousin and close confidante) through years of painstaking research. Both women provided inspiration for characters in the young Jane’s novels. Merriman’s book details the connection between author and aunt, discovering the worlds that Philadelphia moved in across England, France and India, the people she met and the mystery of Eliza’s real father. “Philadelphia brought another dimension to a young Jane Austen’s life,” says Merriman. “But very little was written about her. So, I set about finding out as much as I could about Jane’s aunt and the impact she had on her life and her writing. Many influential women of the time didn’t get a mention in history. But we are now rectifying that by telling their stories and bringing them to life.” Merriman spent thousands of hours trawling through history to piece together Philadelphia’s life as a milliner, mother, doctor’s wife and countess. “I couldn’t have written this book without the internet or without libraries,” says Jan. “From Albion Park and Shellharbour Library to Oxford, Cambridge and the British Library, all of them have been wonderful sources of information.” Jan discovered letters Philadelphia had written to her daughter and husband, a surgeon for the East India Company whom she met through an arranged marriage. When he died Philadelphia married a French count and lived in France with her new husband and daughter until the revolution forced them to return to England. “Eliza remained central figures in Jane’s life and writing,” says Merriman, who is considered worldwide to be a Jane Austen expert. After the publication of her novel late last year, Merriman was invited to speak to Jane Austen fans at Chawton Cottage the house where she wrote her famous novels, including Pride and Prejudice, which was adapted for television by the BBC five times - the first version in 1938 and the most famous in 1995. It was a career highlight for the retired teacher and university lecturer who, all those years ago when she first picked up a copy of Emma, never dreamed she would be one day standing in Jane Austen’s home signing copies of her own book. Merriman will share her wealth of knowledge about Jane Austen and her remarkable aunt at Kiama Library on June 20 from 6pm as the special guest of Friends of Kiama Library (FOKL). She will also sign copies of her book. Tickets are $25 for FOKL and $30 for guests, including drinks and finger food. Merriman’s talk will kick off six months of Jane Austen celebrations with the library hosting a free Jane Austen Book Club each month. The first - Northanger Abbey - will be on June 24 and celebrations will culminate in a discussion of the much-loved Pride and Prejudice on November 25.

Kiama author Wendy McAra knows all about the power of positive thoughts. When the psychologist and life coach was going through a challenging divorce, the “worried single mum” was plagued by self-doubt and insecurity. “I feared I’d never be happy again, I felt like I was revisiting my teens, all I was interested in was how I would find the man of my dreams,” she said candidly. McAra explained it was not unusual to have these feelings when you are going through a life-changing event, such as a divorce. But what she did next was outside her comfort zone. “I signed up for a personal development workshop and it changed my life,” she said. The workshop taught her about ScriptWriting, a powerful manifestation technique used to help people make the lives they dream of a reality.  “A script is an opportunity to let your imagination flow, express what you long for, then claim it as if it’s already happened,” explained McAra. “Many people feel stuck in a gap between their current reality and the life they truly desire. This disconnect can be deeply frustrating, whether it’s relationships, career, finances or family dynamics. “I wrote my first script on New Year’s Eve in 1996 about finding the man of my dreams and within a year I had met and married my new partner.” McAra has written a book about her journey - called Create Abundant Possibilities: Seven Steps to Manifest your Dreams - which include seven practical steps in the art of scriptwriting. “Some people may be sceptical that it is possible to bring your dreams into reality through the simple process of ScriptWriting or dream scripting, but my repeated success in manifesting my own dreams has left me in no doubt about its effectiveness,” said the successful author. “Most of the many hundreds of clients I’ve taught ScriptWriting have been successful in manifesting their dreams, like meeting their soulmate, landing their dream job, buying the house they love or moving from financial struggle to prosperity. “This process is such a life-changer that I felt compelled to share it with as many people as possible.” McAra’s book, available through Amazon and select bookshops in Kiama, provides a “toolkit to build the life you dream of”. It also explores the science behind the theory and looks at how the brain is wired to make changes. “Grab a pen and get ready to start scripting your dreams, because this book will show you they really can come true,” she said.

Share a glass of bubbles while chatting about chick lit with a well-known Gerringong author and her special guest Susannah Hardy.Hardy will be in conversation with local novelist Lisa Darcy (Christmas Actually; Lily’s Little Flower Shop) at Kiama Library on June 10.The free event will feature, bubbles, nibbles and lots of laughs from the queens of rom-com, whose witty, feisty writing style is sure to translate into a night of funny, incisive and self-deprecating banter about the trials and tribulations of life as an author.Hardy’s most recent book My Hot Housemate, tracks the ups and downs of an actress on the verge of her big break in Tinseltown, and draws on the author’s personal experience as an actor chasing the role of a lifetime.In a previous life Hardy was a performer who studied theatre in Paris, before turning her hand to writing. Her first novel, Loving Lizzie March, was published by Pan McMillan in 2021.“Performance helped me discover a passion for writing comic stories about flawed characters navigating their way through life and love,” says Hardy, whose second book tells the story of actor Indigo James.After failing to crack the LA acting scene, Indigo finds herself back in Sydney housesitting a labradoodle named George and living with insufferable flatmate Jermey Taylor. Just when she discovers Jeremy might not be so bad after all, Hollywood comes calling and Indigo is forced to choose between love and success.Hardy and Darcy will be in conversation at Kiama Library on Tuesday, June 10 from 6pm-7pm. The event is free and both authors will be available for book signings and purchases. Bubbles and nibbles will be provided and booking is essential.If you want your next read to be a fun, flirty, feel-good romance, washed down with a glass of bubbles, then reserve your spot via this link.

On a random Wednesday in April, 300 people packed into the Kiama Pavilion to celebrate the launch of The Marvellous Submarine, a new children's book by Clay Comber and Conor McCammon.The Marvellous Submarine is a fun adventure story filled with a villainous kidnapping, a secret volcano, pirates on yachts, and exploding basketballs. It marks the latest creation from Bouquiniste owner Clay Comber as well as his co-worker, Conor McCammon.The packed out crowd at Kiama Pavilion. Photo: SuppliedThe book launch took place on 2 April and featured a lively conversation with Jane Turner, the owner of the Gertrude & Alice Café Bookstore in Bondi.“We had the privilege of being interviewed by Jane,” said Clay. “We discussed the process of writing the book together as friends and how our friends watched it grow from a silly idea to a finished project."“We also talked about the challenges of the publishing industry, the difference between writing for different audiences, and even gave a preview of the upcoming sequel.”Clay and Conor were deeply moved by the community’s support, and as they embark on a book tour, they hope to receive the same warm reception in the other cities they visit.“It’s an incredible feeling to have so many people supporting this book. "We really couldn’t ask for a more supportive community than Kiama,” said Clay. Clay enjoying himself at The Marvellous Submarine book launch. Photo: Supplied“We launched the book in Sydney two days later, which was amazing, and now we’re heading to Melbourne and Brisbane for events. "But nothing feels better than launching a book in your home town.”“It seems like the attendees at the launch had as much fun as we did,” Clay said. The Marvellous Submarine is Clay’s second book, and he’s been overwhelmed by the positive feedback it’s received since its release.“So many people bought copies for their kids, grandkids, or even for themselves - one of our customers bought nearly 20 books for her school students.”“A lot of our adult friends have said how surprised they were to enjoy reading a kids' book.”Copies of The Marvellous Submarine were flying off the shelf. Photo: SuppliedThe Marvellous Submarine is available now in bookstores and online - grab a copy and support two talented local authors.

Jamberoo local Alice Peel’s new book aims to tackle mental health earlyAlice Peel, a Jamberoo local and co-founder of the ground-breaking wellbeing program Grow Your Mind, hopes her new book can help children confront mental health challenges at an early age and promote resilience, emotional regulation and friendship skills.Her new book, How to Be a Fantastic, Sensational, Good-Enough Kid, was released on Tuesday.Grow Your Mind is already making waves in over 500 Australian schools, including Ss Peter and Paul Catholic School and Jamberoo Public School. The program evolved from her time as a primary school teacher, where she noticed students who could emotionally regulate and form lasting friendships tended to perform better academically.“I was working as a teacher, and it was clear that the kids who could manage their emotions and build friendships were also the ones feeling more connected and excelling in their schoolwork,” Peel said.With a background in public health, she became increasingly interested in understanding why some students performed better than others. This curiosity led her to study psychology and neuroscience.“I was really excited about teaching wellbeing to kids, but I was the only one who seemed to share my enthusiasm.“So I started thinking of ways to make it engaging. I introduced stories and animals that represented key parts of the brain, and the kids really got into it.”The success of the program, which she co-founded with Christina Freeman, alongside the Grow Your Mind podcast, caught the attention of a publisher who encouraged her to write a book. It is structured into 10 chapters, each beginning with a mini comic strip that sets the tone for the chapter’s lesson. “I thought, if that’s the only thing a kid reads, they’ll still get the moral of the whole chapter,” Peel added.Every chapter starts with a question, which she answers in a way that’s like having a teacher right there with the reader. Each chapter ends with a true story from a child, a “practice makes progress” section, and space for kids to write down their thoughts.“One of the fun parts is that each chapter has an animal helper who represents a key part of the brain. For example, the guard dog represents the amygdala, and we explore how the brain reacts to threat responses. It’s all about combining brain facts with real-life stories and lessons,” she said.Each chapter also includes a “Shine a Spotlight” page, encouraging kids to learn about important figures in Australian history, such as Adam Goodes or Gina Chick. “We want the book to feel interactive - like a living, breathing resource for kids,” Peel said.One of the chapters specifically addresses the challenges children face with their devices. It encourages kids to “be the boss of your device” and to replace screen time with “green time,” helping them to disconnect and reconnect with the world around them.“Technology is here to stay, but we don’t want kids to miss out on the present moment. This chapter encourages them to think about their digital health and balance it with real-world experiences,” Peel added.She believes mental health education must begin early, and that the concepts in her book should become normalised for children. “Prevention is much easier than cure. It's important for kids to understand that taking care of their mental health is as normal as brushing their teeth.“My goal is for kids to ask themselves, ‘What have I done for joy today?’ or ‘Who have I spent time with that makes me feel great?’ I want them to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health.”Peel hopes the book will be a valuable resource in both classrooms and homes, helping kids and teachers to engage with mental health in a fun and meaningful way.

Clayton Zane Comber and Conor McCamman’s new book has come a long way since starting out as an inside joke that they shared while working together.They will launch their new junior fiction book, The Marvellous Submarine, at The Kiama Pavilion on April 2 at 6.30pm.The pair first met while working at Clay’s former bookstore-café, Bouquiniste, on Terralong Street. Both dreamed of becoming writers and while working on their individual projects, they accidentally stumbled upon a collaborative venture.“We just started collaborating, almost as a joke, about this kids’ series we wanted to create,” Clay said. “Somewhere along the way, we thought, maybe this does have legs, so we decided to write it down and expand on it.”Conor recalls how they would be midway through work at the café, with one person tending to the business while the other wrote.“We were literally writing it during business hours. One person would be steaming milk and calling over their shoulder, Mr Brains should say this, while the other would be writing it down on the laptop. Or while one of us was sweeping or something. It all just happened in our heads, and we got it down as it came,” says Conor.The project reached new heights when they figured out Conor had a talent for drawing - after doodling on some of the store receipts.“Anytime something funny would happen in the shop, Conor would print out receipt paper and draw it like a comic. We had these comics posted everywhere, capturing little funny moments from the shop,” Clay said.“That’s when we realised how well Conor could draw. He started illustrating some of the book’s characters, so we ended up with all these little bits of receipt paper stuck up around the shop.”The Marvellous Submarine follows twin siblings who live on an island with their mother, a famous inventor. When their mother is kidnapped, the twins must embark on a submarine adventure with a crew of animals to rescue her. Along the way, they encounter pirates, a blue whale, exploding basketballs, and a host of other ridiculous hijinks.Collaborating on a book can come with its problems, but Clay and Conor both agree they were perfectly matched when it came to their collective vision for the book.“There were times when I’d come up with an idea, tell Conor about it, and he’d instantly know how to bring it to life,” says Clay. “He’d draw it, and I’d think, That’s perfect. That’s exactly what I had in mind.”This is Clay’s second book, following 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze. After finishing The Marvellous Submarine, they handed it to his publisher and agent, and the rest, as they say, is history.“I had the ability to put the book in the right hands - both to my agent and my publisher - and we were surprised to see how much they enjoyed it,” Clay said. “To the point where I don’t even think they changed anything when we first handed the book in.”When asked what they enjoyed most about writing a children’s book, Clay and Conor mention the joy of reconnecting with their childlike imagination and creating moments that both kids and adults can enjoy.“After the release of my first book, I had the opportunity to visit schools and festivals, meeting other children’s and teen writers,” Clay said. “Especially when you’re workshopping with kids, their imagination is incredible. They’re not limited by anything, which as adults, I think we lose a little bit.”“We tried to make it fun for parents to read to their kids as well,” says Conor. “For example, the pirates in the book turn out to be investment bankers at a costume party on their mega yacht, and they get blown off course and they have to become real pirates just to survive.”The book will be released on launch day on April 2 and will be available for sale at the Kiama Pavilion, and you can grab a free ticket here.

Local historian Tony Gilmour’s new book, Rascals and Respectables, delves into the rich history of the hotels in Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong. Speaking with Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio, Tony described the book as a passion project that captures the social fabric of the area.He is celebrating the book’s release with two launch events on Saturday (22 March). From the earliest days, hotels were more than just drinking spots. With no council chambers, police stations, or community halls, they hosted everything from council meetings to sports club gatherings. Interestingly, early hotels were required to provide accommodation, with licensing laws stipulating a minimum number of bedrooms and even ceiling heights.The licensing of hotels was driven by revenue rather than regulation.“State governments couldn’t tax directly, so hotel licences became a lucrative income source,” Gilmour explained. In the 1850s, a surge of new venues led to a boom-and-bust cycle, with many closing within months.Kiama wasn’t always the dominant town. In the mid-19th century, Jamberoo was larger, and an even bigger settlement, Woodstock, has now vanished.“Woodstock was ahead of its time, with a brewery, timber yard, and over 50 dwellings,” Gilmour added. Poor leadership and an isolated location led to its decline, leaving no trace of its existence today.One of Kiama’s most curious tales is The Gold Diggers Arms, a hotel set up by Joseph Pike near Pike’s Hill. A councillor and entrepreneur, Pike nearly bankrupted Kiama Council with infrastructure projects that largely benefited his landholdings.The hotel’s name played into a hoax about gold in the area, briefly fooling residents into believing a rush was imminent.With the mining boom of the 1870s and the railway’s arrival, Kiama’s population surged. This led to the era of ornate hotels, including The Grand, Tory’s, the Brighton, and the Royal.The Royal, once the premier stay for visiting dignitaries, was destroyed in the great fire of 1899, which devastated half of Kiama’s town centre. Tory’s Hotel narrowly escaped the flames.In true Kiama fashion, locals salvaged what they could from the burning Royal hotel, mainly the liquor, and held an impromptu party.“It wasn’t all bad news,” Gilmour laughed.Saturday’s first book launch event is a formal affair at Kiama Library at 2pm with Gareth Ward, which will feature tea and cake.The event will then relocate upstairs at Tory’s Hotel for a more relaxed gathering at 5pm with drinks and lively anecdotes. The book is available at both launches, or from Pilot’s Cottage Museum and local stockists, with all proceeds supporting the Kiama Historical Society.Rascals and Respectables is a lively tribute to our local hotels and the characters who shaped them.

Local historian Tony Gilmour’s new book, Rascals and Respectables, delves into the rich history of the hotels in Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong. Speaking with Bernie Hems on Kiama Community Radio, Tony described the book as a passion project that captures the social fabric of the area.He is celebrating the book’s release with two launch events on Saturday (22 March). From the earliest days, hotels were more than just drinking spots. With no council chambers, police stations, or community halls, they hosted everything from council meetings to sports club gatherings. Interestingly, early hotels were required to provide accommodation, with licensing laws stipulating a minimum number of bedrooms and even ceiling heights.The licensing of hotels was driven by revenue rather than regulation.“State governments couldn’t tax directly, so hotel licences became a lucrative income source,” Gilmour explained. In the 1850s, a surge of new venues led to a boom-and-bust cycle, with many closing within months.Kiama wasn’t always the dominant town. In the mid-19th century, Jamberoo was larger, and an even bigger settlement, Woodstock, has now vanished.“Woodstock was ahead of its time, with a brewery, timber yard, and over 50 dwellings,” Gilmour added. Poor leadership and an isolated location led to its decline, leaving no trace of its existence today.One of Kiama’s most curious tales is The Gold Diggers Arms, a hotel set up by Joseph Pike near Pike’s Hill. A councillor and entrepreneur, Pike nearly bankrupted Kiama Council with infrastructure projects that largely benefited his landholdings.The hotel’s name played into a hoax about gold in the area, briefly fooling residents into believing a rush was imminent.With the mining boom of the 1870s and the railway’s arrival, Kiama’s population surged. This led to the era of ornate hotels, including The Grand, Tory’s, the Brighton, and the Royal.The Royal, once the premier stay for visiting dignitaries, was destroyed in the great fire of 1899, which devastated half of Kiama’s town centre. Tory’s Hotel narrowly escaped the flames.In true Kiama fashion, locals salvaged what they could from the burning Royal hotel, mainly the liquor, and held an impromptu party.“It wasn’t all bad news,” Gilmour laughed.Saturday’s first book launch event is a formal affair at Kiama Library at 2pm with Gareth Ward, which will feature tea and cake.The event will then relocate upstairs at Tory’s Hotel for a more relaxed gathering at 5pm with drinks and lively anecdotes. The book is available at both launches, or from Pilot’s Cottage Museum and local stockists, with all proceeds supporting the Kiama Historical Society.Rascals and Respectables is a lively tribute to our local hotels and the characters who shaped them.

From real-life investigations to heart-racing thrillers, many people find crime stories captivating. At Manly Writers’ Festival, we’re bringing together the best in true crime and crime fiction—stories ripped from the headlines and those crafted from imagination. Join award-winning journalists and investigators who have uncovered shocking truths in cases that have gripped the Northern Beaches and the nation. Then, step into the world of crime fiction, where authors and journalists steeped in the politics of mysterious ways take us deep into the minds of detectives, good guys, bad guys, and the morally grey spaces in between. Whether you’re drawn to the chilling reality of true crime or the adrenaline rush of a perfectly plotted mystery thriller, these sessions will leave you curious about the motivations of the criminals, concerns about justice and the legal system, and the thrill of solving a real-life whodunnit. Manly Writers' Festival. A stage for big ideas. A place for real conversations.True crime sessions will cover some of Australia's most notorious cases, including the wrongful conviction of Kathleen Folbigg and dramatic tales of escape and justice. For crime fiction fans, Blanche d'Alpuget launches The Bunny Club (28 March) while Tim Ayliffe and Michael Brissenden delve into politics and crime. Plus rising stars Hayley Scrivenor (a wollongong local) and Patricia Wolf explore Australia's landscape as a backdrop for mystery.Don't miss this deep dive into crime, justice and storytelling. For more information visit the website here.

Synopsis: It remains surprising that the ultra-woke extremist ideology which is synonymous with the Family Court of Australia evolved in the Land Down Under. For Australia, founded as a penal colony, has always been associated with anti-establishment sentiment.In the early 1900s one of the country’s most beloved poets, Henry Lawson, wrote: The clever scoundrels are all outside, and the moneyless mugs in gaol –Men do twelve months for a mad wife’s lies or Life for a strumpet’s tale.If the people knew what the warders know, and felt as the prisoners feel –If the people knew, they would storm their gaols as they stormed the old Bastille.Henry Lawson, One Hundred and Three, 1908.The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Family Law Act, the single most impactful and destructive piece of legislation to ever pass the Australian parliament.In that time the Family Court has been the subject of dozens of government inquiries and attempts at reform on its road to becoming the single most hated jurisdiction in the country.Far from the helping court its founders told the public they imagined, it has become an enduring symbol of good intentions gone wrong, of the initial idealism of the left turning into a totalitarian nightmare visited upon millions of Australian families, and an enduring example of ideological extremism, political opportunism and bureaucratic refusal to take seriously the voices of those they are meant to serve. Looked at across a broader reach, an aerial view so to speak, ultimately the history of the Family Law Act demonstrates how an ideology allowed to flourish in one sacrosanct arena has metastasised across institutions to damage an entire society. We all think we begin this journey alone. Well, I most certainly did. Like a lot of people who assume that the Australian Family Court and Australian Child Support Agency are credible, reliable and ethical institutions. Good luck with that. Once you encounter these institutions, and the phalanxes of bureaucracies and politicians which protect them, prepare to have your illusions dashed.No one can go through the expensive rigmarole of a Family Court trial and emerge with the slightest respect for the lawyers who profit from this foul system, or the politicians who have allowed this travesty of public administration to spread its poison down the generations. The Child Support Agency is one of the primary drivers of unemployment in Australia. Like many other fathers who find working while paying what they rightly perceive as draconian levels of child support pointless, “Matt” eventually gave up the job he loved and instead went to university. He has since graduated and is now a barrister. Thanks to our family law and child support systems, there are a number of dads who have either gone back to tertiary education or pursued other dreams, such as to become an artist. Or who took the other path and are eking out their lives on welfare rather than spend them in servitude to what they see as the systemʼs rapacious financial demands. They might have felt differently if they thought their money was genuinely benefiting their children, but the law does not require any demonstration that this is the case. Indeed later research showed that children were financially better off and received more money from their separated fathers before the creation of the woeful Child Support Agency. The expensive scheme also failed in its objective of saving the taxpayer money, with cost estimates running between two and five times that of every dollar collected, depending on the year. But nothing stopped this stain on the Australian Public Service impacting and damaging millions of people’s lives, fathers, mothers and the children it pretended to benefit.With the spread of communication technology, the Family Court’s arbitrary and frequently cruel judgements were already the stuff of legends by the time we began broadcasting. One Indian immigrant was jailed for writing to his parents in English. The Court ignored his protestations that his father had two masters’ degrees in English. The Court has also ordered litigants not to contact the United Nations with their concerns, not to publicise the injustices of their cases in any way and not to take their children to a doctor or raise welfare concerns.One father was ordered not to contact his children after he allegedly carried his daughter around on his shoulders, in a crowded park. Another father who expressed a desire to see his adolescent son after the boy’s suicide attempt was ridiculed from the bench while the lawyers sniggered. Yet another was jailed for sending his child a birthday card.Similar stories of damaged lives circle the Child Support Agency. The Agency claimed to be treating fairly a young father who was losing 80 percent of his income in tax and child support and died with one of their letters in his hand. Another man took more than two weeks to die when he went out to his back shed and swallowed poison following a call from a CSA officer. The CSA refused to attend the inquest despite a request from the Magistrate.We shared much in common, that first small group, most of all disgust at the rampant anti-father bias and to our minds outright corruption in Australiaʼs family law system. We were similarly distressed at what had been so blithely done to our children, and the children of so many others, the attempted destruction of their relationship with their dads.The pillaging of separated families is a multi-billion dollar industry. Few parents give up without a fight. They do not accept the loss of any meaningful relationship with their children. They do not shrug and say: sure, leach me for every cent you possibly can. Take my kids, take my property. In the process of fighting for fair reason these same parents are almost always financially fleeced by lawyers and personally crushed, the devastation wreaked upon them taking years to recover from, if they recover at all.During those dark days, which have now returned in force, indeed are worse than ever, more than half the fathers entering the Family Court of Australia emerged to find they saw their children barely once or twice a year. All too many never saw their children again. Those who did usually got the so-called daddy pack of contact every second weekend, although there is no evidence such an arrangement is in the best interests of children. None whatsoever, despite all the false claims by Family Court apologists that their sole working rationale is “the best interests of the child”.Watch a snippet from John Stapleton's interview with Bettina Arndt here.Australian Whistleblower Police: Reluctant Enforcers for Feminist Domestic Violence Regime by Bettina Arndt.** Review by Spectator Australia Failure Family Law Reform Australia by John Stapleton will be published on 15 February, 2025.Recommended Retail Price: $59.99.

Move over helicopter parents - there’s a new parenting trend in town. Bestselling author and journalist Amy Molloy is set to spark debate with her latest book, Wise Child, launching onMarch 25. In this ground-breaking book, Molloy delves into the concept of ‘past life parenting,’ the idea that children may carry memories, experiences, and wisdom fromprevious incarnations. (The anecdotes in the book are jaw dropping!)Molloy, known for her candid approach to unconventional topics, was inspired to write the book after her own struggles parenting a ‘sensitive soul.’ A past life regression session changed her perspective on motherhood, leading her to research similar experiences worldwide.In Wise Child, she examines the work of Dr. Jim Tucker at the University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies, which investigates children who claim to recall past lives.The book blends personal anecdotes with scientific research, spiritual perspectives, and practical parenting advice. It raises thought-provoking questions: Could a child’s unexplained fears stem from past life trauma? How do past life imprints shape our children’s personalities, passions, and even their phobias? How much autonomy should parents give children who appear wiser than their years?With chapters covering ‘new age neurodivergence,’ intuition-led parenting, and the link between past lives, gender, and sexuality, Wise Child is sure to intrigue open-minded parents and challenge sceptics alike. The book has already garnered praise from educators, parents and spiritual leaders, with many calling it a ‘paradigm-shifting’ guide for modern families.Molloy, a mother of three, hopes the book will empower parents to see their children in a new light, fostering deeper understanding and connection. Wise Child will be on sale globallyfrom March 25, also available at The Bookshop Kiama.

Rock and roll legend Carl Perkins had just written the hit song Blue Suede Shoes, his career was building momentum and he was set to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show in front of the entire country - before even Elvis had done so. Unfortunately, he never made it.“En route to New York, Carl and his band had this terrible car crash and Carl ended up in hospital for weeks and weeks - broken and bruised. His brother, who was in the band, almost died. Someone in another car actually did die in the accident,” says Jeff Apter, the author of Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly. “So, he never made it to the show and as he was lying in his hospital bed - he turned on the TV and there's Elvis on national TV. Seizing his moment.”Jeff explains that this was just one of many "sliding doors" moments in Carl Perkins’ career. And that although he went on to have a successful career in his own right, Perkins will likely forever live in the shadow of the man who appeared on his TV screen while he lay battered and bruised in that hospital bed.Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly is the new music biography written by Jeff Apter, a Wollongong local, who is launching the book on Saturday 8 March, 2pm at the Kiama Library Auditorium as part of the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival.Jeff Apter's new book. Photos supplied.Jeff has written more than 30 books about music and musicians. He also spent four years working for Australian Rolling Stone. Interestingly, it was a biography about Australian star Keith Urban that led to this new book project.“I'd written a book about Keith a few years ago for an Australian publisher. It was picked up by a US publisher, Kensington books, in New York. They really loved it and they actually said to me - you're a music biographer, what do you know about Carl Perkins? We want to write a book on him,” says Jeff.“I knew where he came from, his involvement with Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Sun Records, Blue Suede Shoes and his relationship with The Beatles and I thought - someone's willing to pay me to find out more about someone who fascinates me. So it was a fantastic 12 month journey of research and writing. Every day I learnt something new about this really interesting, somewhat shadowy figure in American popular culture.”In the 90’s Jeff was fortunate to spend four years living in the U.S. and visiting a lot of the places that Perkins would have been recording, performing and living - and he says that this experience helped him capture the time and place of the book.“I really tried to vividly present how it felt to be in the moment, at that place and time. It was almost incidental that I'd done some research and legwork for this book 20 years ago just by being in America and getting a feel for it,” Jeff says.“While I hadn’t been to Jackson, where Perkins spent most of his life, I had been to Memphis, Nashville, and Austin, Texas - all key music cities. I’d also visited Sun Studios where Carl recorded. So, I already had a feel for that world, which really helped.”But beyond capturing the essence of Perkins’ life, Jeff is particularly interested in understanding how someone in the spotlight manages to stay sane (or goes insane,) and in examining the evolution of the specific song or album that defines that artist for a lifetime.“I guess I'm fascinated - especially in the case of Carl Perkins - about how you can stay relatively sane when you are in the spotlight every night. How do you deal with that? How do you adapt? In Carl’s case - he would go on these great tours, play to thousands of people and he’d come home, slip off the toupee, pull out the dental plate, put on his baseball cap and ride on his lawnmower around the front yard,” says Jeff.“And also I'm really interested in evolution. The song that becomes the song that is the soundtrack of your life. How does it come into existence? What inspired it? Not technically, I'm not really interested in saying this chord followed by that chord and that note. I am interested in motivation and inspiration.”With Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly, Jeff hopes to bring Perkins out from the shadows of figures like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison, even if only by an inch.Catch Jeff at the Kiama Library Auditorium on 8 March at 2pm - more information available here.

Kiama Council is inviting the community to have Your Say on the future of local library services with the release of the draft Kiama Library Strategic Plan 2025-2029.Manager of Library and Cultural Hubs, Michelle Hudson, said the Kiama and Gerringong library branches provide a highly respected and vibrant service, complemented by a strong online presence.“Our libraries are at the heart of our community – safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where people can come together to learn and share creativity through our programs and events,” Ms Hudson said.“Our dedicated and creative library staff are passionate about the essential services we provide, from fostering reading and increasing digital literacy to preserving our cultural history and strengthening social connections.”The Kiama Library Strategic Plan 2025-2029 outlines key recommendations to adapt and enhance library services as the community evolves. These include:Exploring potential layout improvements at Kiama Library to create a more flexible and dynamic space.Activating outdoor spaces at both Kiama and Gerringong libraries.Investigating alternative service models to better connect with satellite communities.Integrating the Local Studies Collection and Kiama Family History Centre into a single collection and service point.“Bringing together the Local Studies Collection and Family History Centre will create a stronger narrative around our local history, incorporating personal stories and genealogical records to deepen our community’s understanding of its identity,” Ms Hudson said.The draft plan has been developed through consultation with library members, staff, and the wider community, drawing on feedback from surveys, program evaluations, and workshops.Residents are encouraged to review the draft Kiama Library Strategic Plan 2025-2029 and share their feedback by Sunday, 23 March at yoursay.kiama.nsw.gov.au/library-strategic-plan.

On Wednesday, 12 February, Jervis Bay writer Kell Woods, author of the Sunday Times bestseller After the Forest, will launch her new novel Upon a Starlit Tide in Huskisson.Kell’s debut novel, After the Forest, was a gritty reimagining of Hansel and Gretel set in Germany's Black Forest in 1650. Now, with her highly anticipated follow-up she transports readers to a new historical setting and reimagines not one, but two classic fairytales.Upon a Starlit Tide weaves together the tales of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, set in Saint-Malo, Brittany, in 1758.The story follows Lucinde "Luce" Leon, the youngest daughter of one of Saint-Malo’s wealthiest shipowners. While Luce dreams of escaping her privileged yet stifling life to join a ship’s crew, her plans are derailed when she rescues a near-drowned man from the sea.Kell was offered a two-book deal with US publishers TOR Books who released her debut in 2023. She was then given 18 months to write her follow-up."Writing went from being my weird little hobby that no one cared about to suddenly being my job. It was incredibly exciting and wonderful, but at the same time, it was terrifying and filled with self-doubt," says Kell. "I thought, They’re going to realise they've chosen the wrong person. I had to work through all the impostor syndrome and second-book anxiety. It was just a matter of putting your bum on the seat and chipping away at it until something came."The first piece of the Upon a Starlit Tide was found when Kell felt drawn to reimagining The Little Mermaid. But as she delved deeper into the story, she realised it needed something else to balance the original tale’s dark themes - and that’s when she found the next piece."The Little Mermaid is a really dark, sad story," says Kell. "She dies in the end, turns into foam, the Prince chooses someone else, and her tongue is cut out - it’s grim. I realised I wanted to weave in another story with more lightness and beauty, so I chose Cinderella."It was this fusion of fairytales that ultimately shaped the novel. In finding Cinderella, Kell also discovered the setting for her story - Saint-Malo, a city with a rich history and a backdrop of both opulence and darkness."Because I was doing Cinderella, I thought, I could set this in France. From there, I began researching the French coastline and different historical periods, eventually settling on Saint-Malo," says Kell.Saint-Malo, a walled city on the English Channel, is both beautiful and steeped in maritime history. The 18th century, when the novel is set, was also an era of decadent masked balls for the French aristocracy - making it an ideal setting for two contrasting fairytales to coexist.Through the intersection of fantasy and historical reality, Kell aims to immerse readers in a world where the fantastical feels just as real as the tangible."I do as much research as a historical fiction writer would," says Kell. "I want readers to feel like the place is real, that everything makes sense, and that it feels familiar. From there, I launch into magic, witchcraft, mermaids, and other fantastical elements."Kell believes that blending these elements with historical reality is important because, in those times, people genuinely believed in mythical creatures and folklore."People back then actually believed in this stuff, and that’s probably the main reason I’m drawn to it," says Kell. "They believed it was real, so I can dig into their beliefs and make it feel as authentic to readers as it did to them."Saint-Malo’s folklore is rich with tales of fairies living in rocks and caves, as well as stories of mermaids and magic - elements that greatly influenced Kell’s storytelling.Upon a Starlit Tide will be released by HarperCollins Australia on Wednesday, 12 February. Kell will be celebrating the launch with friends, family, and book lovers at back-to-back events at BooBook on Owen and Jervis Bay Coffee in Huskisson.After that she will be having a book tour, and all dates and locations can be found on her website: https://www.kellwoods.com.au/news.

Jamberoo 7s brought plenty of fast footy action this weekend, but just outside Fredericks IGA, another type of competition was on display: a battle between justice and power, told through the pages of a new Australian novel. Solicitor-turned-author Gary Davis was selling copies of Tom Mortimer Pitt Street Bankers, his debut book that delves into the financial dealings that shaped - and in many cases, shattered - lives across Australia.Davis, a solicitor with first hand experience of the foreign currency loan debacle of the 1980s and 1990s, has crafted a gripping narrative that blends real world insights with fiction. Tom Mortimer Pitt Street Bankers begins on a dairy farm in 1959 before shifting to Sydney’s elite banking world, culminating in a courtroom battle in the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1987. The novel examines how financial power brokers influenced the lives of everyday Australians, particularly farmers and small business owners who found themselves at the mercy of complex financial products they did not fully understand. Speaking at Jamberoo, Davis shared that his motivation for writing the book stemmed from witnessing the tactics banks used against clients who had taken out foreign currency loans, often without fully grasping the risks involved. “It was eye opening,” he said. “I saw how hard working Australians were left in financial ruin, and I knew it was a story that needed to be told.”Davis and his wife are currently travelling around Australia to promote the book, sharing its message with communities far and wide. The book, released on March 23, 2024, is already drawing attention from readers interested in legal dramas, financial intrigue, and Australian history. I picked up my copy at 11 am, and by 2 pm, Gary had sold most of his books - a clear sign that readers are eager to get their hands on this compelling tale.Davis hopes that Tom Mortimer Pitt Street Bankers will not only entertain but also educate readers about the banking practices that shaped a tumultuous period in Australian finance.You can purchase a copy from the Bowral and Kiama Bookshops. For more information visit garydavis.com.au. Whether you are a fan of legal thrillers or keen to understand the financial history that shaped Australia’s small business and farming communities, Davis’s novel offers a compelling read.

The Kiama Library is more than just a repository of books; it is a hub for promoting literacy and fostering a lifelong love of reading across all age groups. Under the leadership of Michelle Hudson, Manager of Kiama Library and Cultural Hubs, the library’s diverse range of programs and resources ensures that everyone, from toddlers to seniors, has access to the tools they need to explore and enjoy reading.“We strive to make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” said Michelle. “From board books for babies to audiobooks and graphic novels for reluctant readers, we provide resources that cater to all interests and abilities.”One of the library’s standout offerings is its collection of audiobooks, which Michelle highlights as a fantastic resource for families. “Audiobooks are great for road trips and can expose listeners to richer vocabulary and complex ideas,” she said. “They’re also a wonderful way to engage reluctant readers.”Graphic novels are another innovative tool in the library’s arsenal. Blending visual storytelling with text, these books captivate readers who might otherwise shy away from traditional formats. “Graphic novels help develop skills like interpreting images and context clues, making them an excellent gateway to reading,” Michelle added.The library also embraces digital technology, offering eBooks and eMagazines that members can access from anywhere. This flexibility is particularly valuable for families on the go, allowing them to carry entire libraries on their devices.The library’s commitment to literacy begins at the earliest stages of life. Every new parent in the Kiama area is visited by the Early Childhood nurse, who gift a complimentary library bag containing a board book and information about the library’s programs. “It’s a way to introduce families to the joy of books and start building literacy skills from day one,” said Michelle.Storytime sessions are another cornerstone of the library’s early literacy efforts. Designed to introduce young children to the joy of books, language, and rhyme, these sessions include stories, songs, and crafts. They are free and held during school terms at both the Kiama and Gerringong branches.The library offers three distinct storytime programs tailored to different age groups:Baby Storytime: Perfect for newborns, this session encourages parents and babies to connect through stories and rhymes.Toddler Tales: For the more mobile toddlers, this session incorporates action songs and activities.Preschool Storytime: Preparing children for school, this longer session includes crafts and multiple stories to engage their growing attention spans.“These sessions are not only beneficial for the children but also serve as great networking opportunities for new parents. Michelle noted. “Many lifelong friendships have been formed through these programs.”The library’s school holiday activities, like the Lego building competitions and simultaneous storytime events, keep older children engaged while fostering creativity and a love of learning.The Summer Reading Challenge exemplifies the library’s dedication to literacy. Running from 20 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, this program invites children aged 5 to 12 to read 10 books over the summer break. Participants can track their progress on a 10 Book Goal sheet, with completed sheets earning them a lucky dip prize and entry into a draw for a Kiama Bookshop voucher.“We designed this challenge to be flexible and fun,” Michelle explained. “It encourages kids to explore a wide variety of reading materials, from magazines to graphic novels, and even audiobooks.”With over 50% of Kiama’s population as members, the library’s impact on the community is significant. “We’re more than just books; we’re a space for learning, connection, and exploration,” Michelle said. “Our programs and resources reflect the diverse needs of our community, and we’re proud to play such an important role in their lives.”To explore the library’s services, visit Kiama or Gerringong Library, or browse the library’s website for more information on its programs and resources.

Gerringong author Lisa Darcy’s latest book Christmas Actually is the perfect stocking filler for avid readers. Following on from the theme of its famous namesake Love Actually, and in keeping with the yuletide spirit, Christmas Actually is ultimately about humanity: putting others first and showing kindness, says Lisa.“My publisher wanted my new novel to have a festive theme, specifically set in Australia – sun, surf, sunburn and prawns,” she says.“Christmas Actually is a snapshot of modern family life; addressing Instagram to motherhood, and everything in between. A common thread throughout my novels is women finding the strength to move forward when faced with challenging circumstances.“These characters deal with real-life circumstances such as divorce, betrayal, heartache, and addiction, with behaviours that are unpredictable, messy, flawed, and generally lead to more chaos with a sprinkling of humour.”You can pick up a signed copy of Lisa’s latest novel at her author talk at Gerringong Library.Lisa will join children’s book author Alison Tait for a conversation on December 6, from 5-6pm. The event is free, but bookings are essential. Christmas nibbles will be provided and books from both authors will be available for signing and purchase. For more information visit Kiama Library’s website. With Christmas just around the corner, Lisa Darcy shares her favourite holiday reads with The Bugle.A book Lisa couldn’t put down:Dirrayawadha (Rise Up) by best-selling Wiradyuri author, Dr Anita Heiss, is an outstanding Australian historical novel - truth-telling through fiction, a story of love and resilience in a time of war. In Anita’s acknowledgements, she writes “Dirrayawadha is probably the most important book I will ever write.” I believe her. This is definitely a story that needs to be told. Dirrayawadha should be on the curriculum list of every high school in Australia.A book readers can get lost in at the beach? Richard Osman’s frolic, We Solve Murders. His novels are funny, easy to read, and his characters are always well-rounded. His entertaining murder mysteries are easily read on a lazy day at the beach.A book that left an impression on Lisa? Watermelon by Marian Keyes. I think she is brilliant. Keye’s is funny and incredibly talented, and I admire her enormously. Her writing always seems so effortless even when her characters are dealing with serious issues like alcoholism, divorce and disease. I get in the heads of the characters that inspire me - the heroine triumphing over adversity - and am with them on their journey all the way. A book that challenged Lisa’s perspective on a topic? I was never a fan of fantasy or sci-fi. But when my boys were pre-tweens, they were into Harry Potter, then when my daughter was a teenager, she loved the Twilight series. I read these books because my kids did. It opened my eyes to many more genres. A book Lisa hopes to find under her Christmas tree? Something that surprises me. Last Christmas, my daughter and my partner both gave me Paul Barbera’s Book, House Cat. This year, I hope they chat before gifting me a book, but give me something equally as wonderful as House Cat.Why should book lovers put Christmas Actually on their wish list? Christmas Actually is a universal story about rebirth, love and redemption, packaged in fresh wrapping. Familial expectations don’t fade into the background just because Christmas is looming. All of Kate’s family – her parents, husband, sister, children, and friends – demand something from her, whether that be love, time, acceptance, food, or silence. Kate’s at breaking point, and something’s got to give. She can’t even find the time to haul the Christmas decorations out from the garage. And there’s no Christmas tree. This book reminds us that despite our imperfections, it is never too late to admit our past mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Love, in all its incarnations, need not be out of reach.Competition time: Email us at hello@the buglenewspaper.com.au for a chance to win a signed copy of Christmas Actually. The winner’s name will be drawn out of a Santa hat.

It is mid-morning, early spring. The Sun’s gentle warmth caresses my skin as I settle into a quiet, shady spot on a bench. From my bag, I take out my watercolour pad, pencils, jar of water, and brush, arranging them beside me. Sketching and painting here has become a cherished routine since I discovered The Garden: a tranquil oasis of native flora hidden behind the bustle of shops and offices in a busy urban suburb. This 3.3-hectare haven, transformed from an old sandstone quarry over fifty years ago, now flourishes under the care of dedicated volunteers. I am proud to count myself among them.I love all native flora—the eucalypts, acacias, grevilleas, the delicate flannel flowers, and the many varieties of ferns. But my favourite is the Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis), a hardy, graceful tree that explodes with vibrant red brush-like flowers in spring, attracting birds from far and wide. One stands before me now, and today it will be the centrepiece of my artistic endeavour. If I’m pleased with the result, I plan to frame the painting and create greeting cards from it.I begin by roughing out the composition in pencil, experimenting with layouts for aesthetic appeal. Gradually, I sketch the slender light-green leaves with watercolour pencils, layering greens for a realistic effect. Once I add the crimson brush flowers, I’ll use water to bring the scene to life. Today, however, my pace quickens—there’s an urgent matter to discuss with a fellow volunteer, who is meeting me here soon.“Hey, that’s already looking good,” a familiar voice calls from behind. My colleague appears, holding a thermos. “I brought us some coffee,” she adds, pouring two cups and handing me one.Our casual meeting masks the importance of our conversation. We need to strategise against a proposed multi-story residential development before the Council—one that could block most of the sunlight from The Garden. While increasing urban density addresses housing shortages, it threatens sanctuaries like ours. This isn’t just about preserving greenery; it’s about protecting the wildlife that depends on these spaces and maintaining a balance in urban ecosystems.“The demonstration outside the Council Chambers the other day was a success,” she begins. “The local paper gave it excellent coverage, and it drew some much-needed attention. Our submission and petition are now with the Council, but we need to do more. It’s shocking how many locals don’t even know The Garden exists.”“What if we host an Open Day?” I suggest, after mulling it over. “Invite the Councillors and other local dignitaries, make it a community event. I could curate an exhibition of my sketches and paintings to auction off, raising funds to support our campaign.”Her eyes light up. “That’s a fantastic idea! I’ll call an urgent meeting for Saturday so we can get started.” She springs up and heads for the car park. “See you then!”“See you,” I call after her.Looking back at my painting-in-progress, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. Finishing this watercolour isn’t just about artistic fulfillment anymore—it’s about contributing to a cause close to my heart.

By Carol GoddardThe year was 1916. Eighteen-year-old John Henry, a boy from Mascot, enlisted in the Australian Army to fight a war half a world away.Young and idealistic, he was soon sent for training to learn the basics of trench warfare and signalling. Deployed from Sydney to Kiama, he and thousands of other young men settled into a makeshift tent city on the Kiama Showgrounds. John trained in signalling on the headland overlooking Kendalls Beach and practised digging trenches on the sands of Bombo Beach before being shipped out to Beersheba to join the Light Horse Brigade.The harsh conditions of the Middle East took a toll on John; within three months, malaria had found him, and he spent much of the First World War in and out of care. He was lucky—he survived. Although he suffered occasional bouts of malaria for the rest of his life, he returned home, met a girl, and raised a family.Fast-forward to the late 1950s and early 1960s. Each summer, John Henry’s son-in-law, Norm, packed up his wife and two young kids for a camping holiday in Kiama. Living just two hours north, Norm would load up his Dodge truck with a double bed, bunks for the kids, a large icebox, a metho stove, a kerosene lamp, and a centre-pole tent. He even brought his toolbox, for Norm was a hardworking carpenter, picking up jobs whenever and wherever he could.Money was often tight, and though he occasionally placed a bet on the horses, whether he won or lost didn’t change his commitment to the annual trip to Kiama. Each year, they camped on the headland overlooking the round Rockpool, under the shade of pine trees. Today, this spot is home to rental cabins, the Kiama Visitor Centre, and Diggies café. But back then, it was a bustling camping ground filled with tents, plywood caravans, and families enjoying the simple pleasures of life by the sea.Norm set up their three-room tent, and for the next few weeks, while his wife and children enjoyed Kiama's beaches, the Rockpool, bike rides, and the joys of camping, Norm took off with his carpenter’s toolbox to find work in town. If there was money left after camping fees, he could take a day off to enjoy the beach with his family—those were the good days.Another leap through time brings us to the 1980s. Norm’s little boy, Gary—John Henry’s grandson—had grown up, met, and married me. By then, we had two of our four children, and on occasional weekends, we would drive from Sydney down to Kiama and Gerringong, just for the pleasure of seeing the lush green hills rolling to the sea. Each time, we’d return home wishing we could live in this beautiful place. But the universe had other plans, and it would take another forty years before we finally became locals in Kiama—arguably the most wonderful place in the world.For over a hundred years, our family’s connection to Kiama has endured, from John Henry’s time to the present day. Gary found our home, and in May 2021, we moved in, ready to live the Kiama life to the fullest. If John Henry were here today, he’d heartily approve.