Plans are already underway for next year’s Kiama Hot Rod Run after a successful three-day event recently.The 10th annual event in Kiama, organised by the Romans Hot Rod Association, enjoyed perfect weather, attracting large crowds.There were 225 Hot Rods and Customs at Sunday’s Show and Shine along the waterfront at Black Beach Reserve. As well as the great cars on display, there was a variety of food and drink stalls, along with model cars for sale by Prized Pieces and Insurance advice from Shannon’s to keep everyone busy with Ricky Mackaway providing great music throughout the day.The Observation Run on Saturday from Kiama Lighthouse was a bit of fun for those choosing to do it, finishing at Berry for a coffee and cake stop before heading for lunch at Gerroa Fisherman’s Club. The Saturday evening Sausage Sizzle at Kendalls On The Beach Holiday Park proved very popular and despite having a senior’s moment when he left his questions back in his cabin, Ernie Bell’s trivia competition got the brains trust scratching their heads in pursuit of a multitude of prizes. The Top five Cars as picked by the entrants were all of a very high quality.Jason Cavanagh of “Classic Fabrications” at Fernhill, picked up the Romans HRA Trophy with his 1936 Ford Coupe and Tomerong’s John Dyer won the Geoff Keast Memorial Trophy with his blue 1932 Ford Coupe. The Street Rod Committee Trophy went to Kanahooka’s Chris Cassar with his blue 1932 Ford Roadster and Christine Power from Tomerong won the Shannons Trophy with her pink and cream 1954 Ford Customline.The Romans HRA would like to thank Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald for presenting the trophies and Paul Beck of Killer Rides for providing magazines and CDs to the Top five winners. The organising committee also paid tribute to The Bugle for its help in promoting the event as well as Shannons Insurance and the Australian Street Rod Federation for their sponsorship.The Romans HRC will also be making a donation from the proceeds of the Kiama Rod Run to the Dr Sarah Cope Foundation. Sarah was a member of the Romans HRA who sadly passed away four years ago, shortly after receiving her Doctorate of Health Science from the University of Canberra where Sarah was an Assistant Professor of Nursing.Her Foundation supports young nurses with their training and studies at the University of Canberra.Romans HRA has set aside the weekend of 11-13 September for next year’s event.

Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud has thanked AVCON, a local waste remediation company, for their assistance in removing two cow carcasses from the Minnamurra River this week.The dead cows were found in the Minnamurra River after the recent heavy rain and flooding events.The cows’ ID tags were missing, so Council was unable to contact the owners of the livestock, who would normally be responsible for their removal.AVCON, based in Port Kembla are experts in emergency management, waste remediation water rescue and industrial services.Council also thanked NSW Fire & Rescue for the use of their drone, Kiama Support Operations IRB in assisting Council to locate the carcasses and Marine Rescue for their advice.“We thank AVCON for their assistance in this matter – removing the debris from the river prior to the Council-sponsored Kiama Triathlon event on the weekend,” said Stroud. “We also extend our appreciation to the NSW Fire and Rescue Service, Kiama Support Operations and Marine Rescue.”For further information about whether a water body is suitable to swim in, please visit Beachwatch - Is it safe to swim?Please report any sightings of animal carcasses or pollution incidents to Council on [email protected] or call (02) 4232 0444.

The long-awaited transformation of the Bombo Quarry into a housing area is a step closer after the Independent Planning Commission has recommended that proposed rehabilitation works be declared a State Significant Development.For decades, the land has been viewed as a potential solution to Kiama's lack of housing and the IPC's decision has been welcomed by Mayor Cameron McDonald."Bombo Quarry is one of the most prominent sites in our local landscape, and how it is rehabilitated will shape Kiama’s future for generations," he said."Bombo Quarry is a key component of the Kiama Urban Expansion Area. "Declaring the project state significant will not only give our community confidence in our adopted Housing Strategy but will provide an end date for quarrying activities, thereby enabling the NSW Government to remove the restrictive covenant on Council’s Spring Creek landholding. "This is a key component of Council’s Advocacy Plan and we look forward to working closely with the Government and the proponents as this process moves ahead.”The advice from the IPC follows a Ministerial call-in request from the NSW Transport Asset Manager and Boral, supported by Urbis, to recognise the state importance of the rehabilitation project.In its correspondence to NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, the Commission concluded that the proposal is of state significance under section 4.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.While the project does not meet the statutory thresholds in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021, the Commission found the development warranted consideration as a State Significant Development due to its broader significance.“Bombo Quarry has played a significant role in the state’s infrastructure and construction story for decades," Scully said. "The Independent Planning Commission’s advice makes clear that its rehabilitation is a matter of state importance.“The rehabilitation of the site is an important step in the implementation of Kiama Council’s housing plans so this provides another opportunity for the Minns Government and Kiama Council to work together on good housing solutions for Kiama.”The Commission’s advice has now been made publicly available, consistent with legislative requirements.Newly elected Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said this was an important milestone for the local community.“The rehabilitation of Bombo Quarry has been talked about for many years, and it’s clear the scale and complexity of the project means it should be treated as state significant," he said."I welcome the Commission’s recommendation and the attention it brings to getting the best possible outcome for the people of Kiama.”

Right to Know Week NSW 2025 kicks off on Monday, promoting awareness of the public’s right to access information held by government agencies.In NSW, the Information and Privacy Commission is encouraging all public sector organisations to strengthen their understanding of transparency obligations under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).Right to Know Week runs from until Sunday (5 October) and this year's theme is: “Ensuring access to environmental information in the digital age.”Transparency is essential for enabling meaningful public engagement. The GIPA Act supports this by legally mandating openness in government, positioning NSW as a global leader in public sector transparency.When people have the right to access government-held information, they can participate more fully in decision-making and policy development - leading to more effective governance and stronger community trust in public institutions.In NSW, members of the public can request information from a wide range of public bodies, including state government departments, local councils, universities, ministerial offices, and state-owned corporations.Some information is made publicly available online, while other details can be accessed through informal or formal requests.You can request information about how a NSW government agency or public sector body operates, makes decisions, or delivers services. You can also request your own personal information, such as documents containing your name, contact details, or other identifying records.Kiama Council is committed to upholding the right of ratepayers to access information.Council provides a range of open access information via its website, and also accepts informal and formal access applications in line with the GIPA Act.To find out how to access information from Kiama Council, visit: www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/Access-to-Information.For more on your rights to access government-held information, and to learn how the IPC can support you, visit: www.ipc.nsw.gov.au/RTK2025.

From whales riding the humpback highway, octopus friends in Kiama’s rockpools to seals on guard at Werri Beach, the region is a hive of activity for sea life great and small and citizen scientists are often on the frontline of species protection.However, beach-nesting birds like the Little tern are so small they can often be overlooked, landing them a spot on the endangered species list. The tiny birds lay their eggs directly on the sand, and eggs and chicks can be so well camouflaged they are almost invisible to the naked eye, leaving them vulnerable to being unwittingly trampled.A collaborative effort between BirdLife Australia, community volunteers, Kiama Council and the NPWS is “terning the tide” on the endangered colonies.Coastal areas in Kiama and surrounds are home to six rare and endangered shorebirds including the Little tern, Pied oystercatcher, Beach stone-curlew, Sooty oystercatcher, Hooded plover and Red-capped plover.Awareness campaigns by councils and stakeholders have seen a boost in shorebird breeding populations of threatened species like the Little tern, with more than 900 nests counted across the state in the 2024-2025 season.The Pied Oystercatcher. Photo: Kiama Council During the most recent breeding period, Little tern nests were spotted at 24 sites along the NSW coast, including Kiama, according to NPWS deputy secretary Trish Harrup. Citizen scientist counts of active nests during the October to February season found at least 485 breeding pairs of little terns in NSW, a jump from last year’s number of around 430, with standout colonies in Shoalhaven Heads and Lake Conjola.“This incredible number of breeding pairs resulted in an estimated 510 fledglings, making it the highest count of fledglings recorded and a substantial jump from last year’s figure of around 370,” says Ms Harrup.“That’s the second-highest number in 24 years, to see an increase in numbers of a threatened species for two consecutive years is an incredible achievement. But it’s not possible without a cast of hundreds to lend their time to this important cause.”While there has been an increase in Little tern breeding pairs in NSW, there are less than 200 breeding pairs of the endangered Pied oystercatcher.A NPWS Pied oystercatcher conservation project, in collaboration with Kiama and Shoalhaven councils, has installed signage at major nesting sights including Lake Conjola, Murramarang National park and Comerong Island, while predators like foxes are kept at bay to protect habitats. Kiama council has called on beach-goers to help protect Pied Oystercatcher populations in the region by being aware of their feeding patterns - they can often be seen on the beach at low tide hunting for oyster shells - and breeding habitats.“Please make sure you help by avoiding damage to the coastal vegetation and sand dunes they call home,” says a Kiama Council spokesperson. “Many of these are themselves fragile ecosystems, with plants easily trampled by unwary feet. This includes our four-legged friends.”Beach-goers have been urged to make sure dogs are only walked on an approved dog-beach and always kept on a leash.“You can also reduce your chances of stepping on an egg or chick by walking to the water line and keeping an eye out for bird nesting signs and fenced-off nesting areas on the beach,” says Ms Harrup.“Despite these promising numbers, these birds remain on the edge, and continued efforts are vital to protect them along our coast, and every person can play a role in making a difference.”Bird lovers can also sign up to become volunteer citizen scientists, joining NPWS staff, councils and land managers across the state who last year counted 5000 observations of shorebird nest sites across the five-month nesting season, which is set to begin again in October.

This is the true story of a unique animal. Dog came into my life in the 1970s.He wasn't much to look at - a street dog, black, lean, probably a cross between a Kelpie and a Doberman. Very smart, and if he decided he didn't like you, then you found out quickly.A handbag dog he was not. Neither was he an extrovert, or a seeker of pats. He was a loner, but he chose me and my hubby to spend his life with. So that made the relationship special.It was 1971 and I was in my first year at the UNSW, fresh out of high school. Naive and filled with excitement and optimism. The times worldwide were shifting and changing.The Vietnam War was still on, and students like myself were voicing opinions and spasmodically demonstrating against just about everything. UNSW was an exciting place to be, and to my youthful self, every day presented something new and interesting - more often than not totally unrelated to the pursuit of academic excellence.Including a scrawny black dog that I saw wandering around the campus regularly.This dog appeared to have freedom to roam the uni grounds. There were security guards, colloquially known as Grey Men - due to the colour of their uniforms. They were stationed everywhere on campus but collectively turned a blind eye to this animal, who was a regular, curled up outside lecture halls, waiting patiently for his owner. Or following said hippy-looking owner around the campus. I was enthralled, then captivated. Nature took its course, and the dog owner became my boyfriend.Meeting this dog up close for the very first time was something I'll never forget.I attempted to get into my new boyfriend's car, where Dog was relaxing, languidly stretched out on the back seat.I had no idea he was in the car.Loyal companions - Boyfriend with Dog. Photo: Carol GoddardBoyfriend knew what was about to happen, he'd seen it before and was chortling inwardly. It was a baptism of fire for our infant relationship. Boyfriend knew Dog was harmless, and I was safe. I, however, did not.I was greeted by the dog's red gummed, bared fangs at the car window, accompanied soon after by a bloodcurdling growl. Followed by a full-on, theatrical display of canine savagery for my benefit. How dare I try and enter that car!Thankfully, it proved to be all show, because after my initial shock, and full-bellied laughter from Boyfriend, along with pats and an ear scratch for the perpetrator, all was well. I was accepted. I had permission to be the girlfriend, and share the car.Dog had actually come into Boyfriend's life a few months before, by arriving at the front gate of the family home, then staying overnight. No such thing as microchips in those days, and the animal wasn't wearing a tag or collar. Boyfriend saw he was a bit scrawny, gave him some food and water, and then went off to Uni for the day. Dog stayed, was still there that night, which was a problem as boyfriend already had a Labrador living in the backyard. The two dogs had eyed each other off at a gate down the side of the house, and took an instant, hostile and hair-raisingly noisy dislike to one another. It was an irreconcilable situation.And so there was only one thing to do. Dog had to go.Boyfriend, nagged by his now unhappy parents, drove Dog to another suburb, gave him a last feed, and regretfully drove off.A day later, this intrepid animal was back at the front gate. Fate had intervened. It was obvious the hound, now named Dog, was in need of a family to love him. And he'd chosen Boyfriend. Dog had won.Boyfriend kept him in the frontyard and Whiskers the fat Lab still resided in the backyard, and the parents conceded. Dog could stay. There was one condition though: he had to go with Boyfriend in the daylight hours. Which meant taking him to Uni.And this is how we three became an item.Dog lived with us for 10 years and we had many adventures together. He loved us unconditionally, and went to great lengths to protect us from the world. In his doggy mind everyone was a prospective enemy, and his shows of fake savagery were enigmatic.Boyfriend became Hubby, and Dog slept in our garage of an evening, and in the car with Hubby during the day. Woe betide anyone walking past the garage or the car.Dog was responsible for us getting our first house, because a neighbour in our apartment building complained of the savage dog being kept in the garage. The RSPCA paid us a courtesy visit, and discovered we were model dog lovers. But we had to get a backyard for Dog, and so we did.I was still a student, and Dog went to work with Hubby, who in those days had a fruit juice delivery job. On one memorable occasion, Hubby left his van with Dog inside, while in a queue at factory juice pick-up. One of the other drivers went to move the van, as Hubby was holding the line up. Dog did his thing. That poor driver went white as a sheet. It was the stuff of legend and laughter for many a long day.And then there were the camping holidays.Still owning our van, we would take Dog everywhere. Three incidents remain etched in my memory.Potato Point camping area on the NSW South Coast was pretty isolated and rough in those days, with the only facility a drop toilet, and cold showers. We slept in the van, used a canvas lean-to for shade, and when we went off fishing or surfing, Gog would stay at the tent, chained by a long lead to a spare tyre.Imagine our dismay when we turned to see him dragging the tyre behind him down the beach towards us. With a southerly change about to hit, we scurried back to the camp to discover he'd also chewed through three of the four ropes and the tent was flapping wildly by one flimsy rope in the increasing wind. On that same trip, when we'd left him a little too long in the van, he'd chewed through a seatbelt. That'd teach us not to leave him.A trip to Burrowa to visit country relatives, this time in the parents’ station wagon, saw Dog run off into the night when we let him out for a comfort stop. He was investigating the howling of possums. That one took a while to resolve. Hours in fact. But he finally returned, I'm sure much to the disappointment of the parents.Visiting the Snow Country in winter was also challenging. Dog found himself enjoying this wet white stuff he'd never seen before. Returning soaked to the back of our vehicle which we were all sleeping in didn't endear him to us that night, and oh, the wet dog smell!By far the best punishment Dog ever meted out to us as wayward dog owners was after we had taken him with us on a trip to Canberra, and I unwittingly chose the wrong road from Braidwood, miles of dirt, winding and bumping mercilessly in our little van.By the time we got to Canberra we needed to eat, so we gave Dog a break in a carpark, then left him in the vehicle while we quickly found a pizza. On returning I opened the passenger door to an odour like no other. Poor Dog had been momentously, gloriously carsick. And rolled in it, all over the floor and front seat. Oh joy.Fortunately, we had a bucket with us, found a tap, then started the very unpleasant, long, tiring clean-up.Writing this story, the memories of this amazing animal, and how much he meant to us, has been joyous. Our life together was immensely rewarding. Dog was the smartest, most affectionate, most interesting of all my life pets, a streetwise mutt who chose his own humans, and guarded us with his life. In return he got our total love, care and companionship, and to this day, he is remembered by us with reverence, and also a lot of laughter.

Newly elected Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, outlined her priorities in her first address to the local business community at the Kiama Business Network’s Mayoral Breakfast on Thursday. Housing was front and centre. She noted the state’s new planning system now incentivises the construction of affordable housing, with a strong emphasis on essential workers, as well as expanded provision of public and social housing. Of the 8400 new homes the NSW Government has committed to, half will be allocated to survivors of domestic violence and their families.McInerney acknowledged the particular pressures faced in tourist regions such as Kiama, where workers in hospitality, retail and the care sector often struggle to secure housing. “We face a challenge with making sure those workers can live in our communities, raise families, join the soccer club, volunteer on patrol,” she said, pointing to the need to retain the people who contribute to community life.Education was also highlighted, with $12 million invested across 17 public schools in the electorate in the past two years. Kiama High School principal Catherine Glover and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips. She recounted hosting the Premier at her former high school, praising both past investment and future plans. “Having access to a world-class public education system, alongside a strong healthcare system, are two of my greatest focuses going forward,” she said.Turning to the business sector, McInerney acknowledged current challenges. While some businesses are thriving, others have closed in the past year. She cited workers’ compensation reforms as one way the government is easing financial pressure, and emphasised her commitment to ongoing dialogue with local operators.Looking ahead, she expressed excitement about the development of a special entertainment precinct in central Kiama, which she said would be “a key part of making Kiama a dynamic place and a great place to live, for families and for businesses to do business”.She closed with an open invitation: “When I get an office, the door will be open. Please don’t hesitate to come and knock - I really look forward to working with all of you.”Kiama Councillor Erica Warren and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters. Photo: The Bugle

Kiama Business Network’s annual Mayoral Breakfast drew a strong crowd to the Mercure Gerringong on Thursday, with local business owners, politicians and community representatives eager to hear an update on Kiama Council’s progress and priorities.Mayor Cameron McDonald delivered the address, joined by special guests Federal MP Fiona Phillips, new state MP Katelin McInerney, councillors and senior Council staff. He also acknowledged the contributions of CEO Jane Stroud - recently reappointed for a further three years - and Director of Planning, Environment and Communities Ed Patterson.Cr McDonald praised KBN’s board, describing it as “one of the most cohesive” he has worked with, and commended its strong advocacy role in supporting local enterprise. He also noted Kiama High School’s long-running involvement with the Breakfast as an important bridge between education and industry.Reflecting on the past year, Cr McDonald highlighted Council’s work to address challenges stemming from the Performance Improvement Order and the divestment of Blue Haven, decisions inherited from the previous term. He said Council had stabilised its financial management, with longstanding audit qualifications now cleared, and pointed to key initiatives such as:the opening of a Planning Hub in the old Westpac building to make planning advice more accessible,the acquisition of Shoalhaven Street land as a step towards “reimagining Kiama’s future” with State Government support,Council CEO Jane Stroud with KBN treasurer Greg Langford. Photo: The Buglesuccess in the tourism sector, with Kiama placing third nationally in the Australian Tourism Awards after back-to-back NSW wins, andprogress on major strategies, including the finalisation of the Housing Strategy, public exhibition of the Employment Lands Strategy, and work on a Rural Land Strategy.Looking to the year ahead, the Mayor pledged to advocate for funding to repair Jerrara Mountain Road and for an upgrade to Kiama’s sewage treatment plant, which he described as critical for community health and the area’s housing capacity.Councillor Yasmin Tatrai, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and Councillor Stuart Larkins. Photo: The BugleOther key focus areas included:working with the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Joint Organisation of councils on major regional issues such as waste, transport and health,supporting the expansion of employment lands to ensure skilled workers can remain in the area,addressing the challenges local businesses face beyond tourism, including rising rents and closures, andimproving local sporting and community facilities, with particular emphasis on amenities for women and girls.Cr McDonald stressed Council could not achieve these goals alone, calling for continued partnership with business, community, and state and federal governments. He urged residents and operators to engage with Council strategies currently on exhibition, noting that “strong, united advocacy” would give Kiama a greater voice in future funding and policy decisions.

This week's special edition of The Bugle is filled with a wide variety of local news and views from the local community.There is in-depth coverage of the biosecurity scare at Kiama Shopping Village on the weekend, a local table of kindness which is helping the community and an update on the Jamberoo sewer main saga.CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONYou can also read plenty of other great community stories, including a rare fish that washed up on Werri Beach, the Gerringong Co-Op's funky disco and how Kiama made its presence felt at the Illawarra Business Awards.In sport, you can read about Kiama's grand final preparations in the Group 7, Sally Fitzgibbons making waves and our victory, the Knights getting through to the Group 7 decider and Kiama's victories on the hockey scene.In 2024, the Kiama Knights won just three games all season. A year later, they’re on the verge of claiming their first Group 7 Rugby League grand final victory since 2019.Knights coach Matt O’Brien is hopeful a strong crowd of Kiama supporters will be there to cheer both sides on at Centenary Field, Albion Park, on Sunday, with Kiama's reserve grade kicking off against the Stingrays of Shellharbour at 1.15pm and first grade against the Shellharbour Sharks at 3pm.

The fight to upgrade Jamberoo’s sewer main could finally be heading towards a positive outcome after local developer Fountaindale Group aired its frustrations in The Bugle.Jamberoo’s housing future has been stuck in limbo due to years of delays on a vital sewer main upgrade, putting the Golden Valley development on hold as well as many residential upgrades.Fountaindale Group’s Jennifer Macquarie has revealed there have been “some positive developments behind the scenes” since The Bugle published an article on their long-running battle with Sydney Water.“To create Golden Valley’s 50 new lots and allow residents to build their dream homes on their new lots, we need a bigger sewer main running through Jamberoo,” she said. “This isn’t just for our development – it’s essential for the whole village’s future growth.”Sydney Water has been aware of the issue for eight years and despite ongoing discussions, it has not confirmed the size requirements for the new main. “From day one, we’ve offered to solve this problem ourselves. We’ll fully fund the design and construction of the new sewer main, do all the work to Sydney Water’s specifications, and wait to be reimbursed later,” Macquarie added.She recently wrote to NSW Water and Housing Minister Rose Jackson, asking her to intervene and get this project moving.“The good news is that we’ve started noticing some momentum. After our letter to the Minister and media coverage, Sydney Water reached out to schedule meetings with us,” Macquarie added.After Jackson told The Bugle that Sydney Water was now “actively working with the Fountaindale Group to service the project”, Sydney Water also issued a statement to say it will work with Fountaindale “to define the technical scope of work, delivery and funding arrangements.”“We’re encouraged by these recent developments. After years of delays and moving goalposts, it feels like we finally have Sydney Water’s attention and commitment to move forward,” Macquarie said.“But given their track record, we’re not taking our foot off the accelerator just yet. We’ll keep the pressure on until we have the specifications we need and can commence construction of the subdivision.”Macquarie said Sydney Water’s delays are also affecting projects across Western Sydney and she believes “a developer-led solution makes sense for everyone”.“Once this sewer main is upgraded, it will unlock housing opportunities across the village. “Families will be able to build granny flats for elderly parents. Young adults struggling with rental costs will have options for secondary dwellings on family properties. And other potential developments in the area can finally move forward.“Local businesses, some of which have been struggling with Jamberoo’s current small population, will benefit from the economic boost that new families bring to the village.“The irony isn’t lost on us – we have willing developers, approved plans, patient buyers and a housing crisis that needs solving. The only barrier has been getting Sydney Water to tell us the size of a pipe.“Thanks to recent pressure from the Minister’s office and media attention, we now have momentum. We’re working closely with Sydney Water on agreed timelines for the next stages, and we’re optimistic about finally getting this project underway.“And we won’t rest until we have shovels in the ground.”

A man will face court charged after an alleged pursuit and police car rammed in Warilla last week.About 9.20am last Thursday (18 September), Southern Region Operations Support Group officers were patrolling Davidson Street, Warilla, when they tried to stop a Ford hatchback.Checks revealed the vehicle was stolen from a home in Cronulla two days earlier.When it failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Shellharbour Road and Queen Street due to heavy traffic, where police tried to remove the driver.It is alleged the driver rammed into a police car and two other vehicles, before driving away.There were no injuries as a result of the crash.The pursuit was terminated on Veronica Street due to safety concerns, before the vehicle was located abandoned on Woolworths Avenue, Warilla.A crime scene was established and the vehicle was seized to be forensically examined.Following extensive inquiries, about 11.45am on Friday, Taskforce Falcon officers attended a home on Aliberti Drive, Blacktown and arrested an 18-year-old man.He was taken to Blacktown Police Station where he was charged with:- Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner- Never licensed person drive vehicle on road - prior offence- Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (motor vehicle)He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.

Due to works by a third party provider, Telstra has been asked to shut down parts of its mobile base station at Jamberoo at different periods.This will result in some disruption to our mobile services in the area on Friday.Telstra has advised that mobile customers will receive text messages notifying them of the upcoming work.Landline services, NBN and Satellite internet services, and mobile coverage from other providers should not be impacted.The site will need to be switched off up to two hours between 8am and 5pm on Friday (26 September).Telstra customers should be able to continue to make calls and send texts during the disruption to mobile services by switching on Wi-Fi Calling. This is a free setting on most popular phones and allows your mobile to make and receive calls while connected to Wi-Fi.Telstra is also encouraging business owners in the village to talk to their bank about connecting their EFTPOS terminals to their NBN or Wi-Fi connection to prevent delays in processing transactions.

South Coast rail commuters will face disruptions this weekend with Sydney Trains completing maintenance works from Coniston to Bomaderry.From 2am on Saturday (20 September) to 2am on Monday (22 September), a range of works will be undertaken.Transport for NSW has issued a statement to say: "We understand this work may have an impact on you and we appreciate your patience and understanding."The works include: • Ballast cleaning works at Albion Park• Bridge refurbishment works at Mullet Creek Underbridge, Dapto• Crash beam installation at Terralong Street Underbridge, Kiama• Crossing replacement stage works at Unanderra• Cutting works at Omega Tunnel• Level crossing upgrade at Harley Hill Road, Berry• Replacement of corroded overhead wiring fittings at Bombo• Rerailing works at Dapto• Routine civil, signal, and electrical maintenance• Station maintenance to improve safety• Track defect removal to improve network reliability• Track inspection and preventative maintenance• Track resurfacing, tamping, and rail grinding activities• Vegetation maintenance, litter, and graffiti removal• Welding works between Unanderra and Bomaderry.These works will create additional noise at night. Equipment may be delivered to the worksite outside the above times. Some deliveries may occur at night due to daytime travel restrictions on large vehicles.Diesel work trains may have their engines running on site for an extended period.Finishing works including the removal of equipment may take place beyond these dates.Heavy vehicles will use local streets to access the rail corridor. Parking will be limited near access gates.Work vehicles will be parked inside the rail corridor where possible, however on-street parking may be limited near worksites.Traffic controllers will be on duty to assist motorists and pedestrians throughout the duration of the works.

Papua New Guinea is celebrating 50 years of independence in September across the country.Port Moresby is alive with parades, cultural performances, dancing, and fireworks over Ela Beach.From Kiama I’ve been watching the celebrations unfold online, seeing crowds gather, just like they did 50 years ago.Belle (on guitar) with friends still in contact at Boroko East Primary 1975But for me, these events aren’t just headlines - they’re a vivid journey back to 1975, when I was an 11-year-old schoolgirl in Port Moresby, swept up in the excitement of a new nation’s birth.Life in PNG back then was an adventure. I remember weekend drives to Brown River in our lime-green Holden. From the car we’d spot what looked like floating logs in the water, only to realise they were crocodiles.Swarms of brilliant blue emperor butterflies would cloud the air and before we could unpack, local villagers would surround us, selling hand-carved spears. We bought so many that eventually we had to carry some in the car, just to show we already owned enough.At home, nature was never far away. Our garden was strung with colourful orb spiders on their stationary webs and during the wet season, the floods came like clockwork.Our stilt house was safe, but the little house belonging to our “haus boi” would often be knee-deep in water.I can still picture him laughing and swimming through a metre of floodwater. Life in PNG had a resilience and humour about it.Prince Charles looks on as Prime Minister Michael Somare speaks in 1975.The markets were a feast for the senses - brightly coloured meri dresses – which my mother still wears to this day, bilum bags that were slung over women’s heads carrying everything from stores to babies, and betelnut-stained smiles.Carpet snakes were even sold at the local markets. I remember desperately wanting one, and the parental pleading that followed.Dad, a blood specialist, was busy running the PNG Blood Transfusion Service and Red Cross, but to me he was also the man who once tried to help a stranded Toyota ute in the Highlands.Mechanical skills were not his forte - but it turned out to be the fuel gauge.“E” for “enough”, and F for “finish”. Once on a flight in a Fokker friendship plane to the highlands, he could not disembark as there was a crocodile on the runway impeding a safe exit. Such were the stories in our day-to-day life.Belle and younger sisters with 'haus-boi' KakoWe spent time at Ela Beach, diving for sea slugs off the pontoon and learning Pidgin English.“Yu wantem katim gras?” was one of the first phrases I mastered.Picking giant snails off our foliage before school in the mornings, hibiscus bushes in proliferation and fabulous flora and fauna.Other memories are bittersweet - crying at the annual pig slaughters, trips to the annual 'Sing-sing' festivals or engaged as we watched the local women’s cricket matches played on the rugby fields behind our house. The heavy hitters had their children – pikininis - running the pitches for them. Everyday life was colourful, lively, and deeply connected to the uniqueness of PNG.Even our newspaper was part of that rhythm. The Post-Courier carried serialised Phantom comic strips, and the whole town seemed to wait eagerly for the next instalment.The masked jungle hero was relatable to many Papua New Guineans, and soon advertising agencies had the Phantom promoting everything from toothpaste to beer. “The Phantom drinks DB Beer” read one billboard slogan.In hindsight, that kind of marketing was not particularly helpful in a country already facing challenges with alcohol. But at the time, it added to the surreal sense of living in a storybook.Boroko East Primary was the heart of my world, and in the early 1970s it became a hub of national imagination as we celebrated self government, followed by independence.We brainstormed designs for a new flag, filling pages with bold colours and birds of paradise. The final design was created by Susan Karike Huhume, another student like us, but our efforts made us feel part of history.We also debated what the new currency should look like. The kina and toea coins were finally introduced, inspired by traditional shell money, and were a source of cultural pride.Independence itself came to life on September 16, 1975, at Independence Hill. I was one of the lucky few chosen as a Girl Guide for the honour line-up at the main celebrations.Dressed in our guide uniforms and badges, we lined up in the tropical heat as Prince Charles, representing Queen Elizabeth II, shook hands along the rows.The Australian flag was then lowered respectfully and our unique flag showcasing the national emblem - The Bird of Paradise - rose for the first time.The crowd erupted with cheers, kundu drums rolled like thunder, dancing erupted and in that moment, I felt I was standing inside history itself.Prince Edward at the 2025 50th anniversary celebrations. Our school celebrated every milestone on the way to that day - mock parliaments, skits about unity across 800 languages, and class performances. We learned the names of our new leaders, and in my own neighbourhood in Boroko, Grand Chief Michael Somare himself lived just a street away.For us children, independence wasn’t abstract. It was real, tangible and ours. Many of us are still in touch 50 years later.Fast-forward to 2025, and the Golden Jubilee celebrations have presented a rich blend of tradition and progress.In Port Moresby, the flag has been raised again in reenactments, leaders have reflected on how far the country has come and schoolchildren are once again learning the meaning of self-government and independence.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG counterpart James Marape signing what is to be known as the 'Puk-Puk' Treaty - pic PNG Business NewsPNG has faced challenges in those 50 years - balancing economic growth, environmental care, and cultural preservation - but the spirit of 1975 still endures.For me, those early days instilled a deep pride in a Melanesian heritage, and the conviction that young voices can matter.To all the Papua New Guineans and expats who are celebrating this month in PNG and through Australia and New Zealand: we remember these moments.Independence isn’t just a date in the calendar. It is a legacy, woven from all the colour and vibrancy of Papua New Guinea.Here’s to another 50 years of unity, colour, and the unshakeable PNG spirit.Wanpela kantri, wanpela pipol!

Kiama Council wants to hear from local community groups who need a financial helping hand.Council has opened of Round 1 of its Community Grants and Donations Program which provides financial support to local events, activities, and initiatives that enhance the economic, environmental, social, and cultural wellbeing of the community.Round 1 is open until 12 October.Grants of up to $7000 are available for programs or events that provide significant community benefits that facilitate community participation, and enhance the social, cultural, or sustainable outcomes for the Kiama LGA.Grants of up to $2500 to support artists, community organisations, and arts-based businesses delivering arts and cultural initiatives.There are also grants of up to $2000 to not-for-profit community organisations, sporting clubs, and school groups for projects that enhance health and environmental sustainability.The Small Community Grants and Donations program is open all year round.This program provides up to $500 to community groups for activities that provide social, cultural and sustainable outcomes for our community.Kiama Council is encouraging local groups to review its Grants and Donations Guidelines in detail to see how your good work in the community can be supported.Email [email protected] for further information.

Local community members are being urged to help raise awareness and funds for people living with Parkinson's disease at the annual 'Walk in the Park' at Black Beach on Sunday (28 September).The fundraiser is hosted by Parkinson’s Support Kiama, and will help to raise vital funds through a fun afternoon that accommodates all ability levels.Parkinson’s is a movement and mood disorder that progressively worsens over time, and it affects thousands of Australians.Parkinson’s Support Kiama committee member Carmel Mahoney explains that the disease is different for each person.No two Parkinson’s patients are the same in the way they present.Parkison’s Support Kiama provides assistance to locals who are living with the disease as well as their families and carers, and holds regular monthly meetings.The Walk in the Park fundraiser is a scenic coastal walk that offers something for everyone and raises awareness of Parkinson’s and promotes the importance of exercise for managing the disease.“It's not the sort of walk where…you're doing 10 kilometres, it's people with Parkinson's who are participating as well as their family and friends,” Carmel said.“Some of them are on walkers, some are in wheelchairs, some are very able."The day will feature a warm-up exercise session led by a physiotherapist from BaiMed Kiama, followed by the gentle walk along the harbour. Rotary Club Kiama will provide a sausage sizzle and drinks, with proceeds going to the local Parkinson’s support group.There will also be a raffle with impressive prizes, including an Ultimate Jamberoo Escape valued at $1000, a basket of Beauty & Bubbly worth $500 and a $100 Bunnings gift voucher. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10, with the raffle being drawn at 2:30pm.“The main thing is to get an awareness of Parkinson's out there and to have a nice social time together,” said Carmel.Registration and donations can be made on the day. For more information visit Parkinson’s Support Kiama’s Facebook page or Parkinson’s NSW.

Kiama will be represented in one of Australia’s most unique sporting events, Pledge for the Planet’s 48 Hour Mission, where sports achievement crosses paths with environmental action.Instead of paying entry fees, this virtual competition has participants across Australia pledge to make environmental changes in their daily lives, then they run, ride, swim, or walk from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September to climb the leaderboard.Local resident Amy Kline leads The Girls Run Club in both Gerringong and Berry, and is among over 30 teams signed up from NSW for the event trying to make a positive impact.“It’s an amazing opportunity for the girls to see that their running could be part of something bigger and make an impact beyond our little community as well,” she said.The 48 Hour Mission is now in its fifth year and it challenges participants to commit to environmental pledges such as reducing plastic consumption, ditching the takeaway cup, eating less meat, or using public transport more often.Rather than individual pledges, Amy chose a collective approach for the club, their pledge focuses on recycling running shoes through a partnership with Shoes for Planet Earth, an organisation that distributes recycled shoes to local organisations.“Any running shoes that they're no longer using that are in good condition, they've brought to the session,” said Amy.“We've also had some members of the Kiama Run Club get on board with this as well, so they've donated some shoes too”.The Girls Run Club runs weekly morning sessions before school in Gerringong on Tuesdays and Berry on Thursdays for girls aged between 10 to 18, and was established by Amy who is a qualified run coach. Amy started the club as a way to give back to the community and to help adolescent girls stay engaged with movement.“I really want to provide a space where girls felt supported and encouraged to find a love of movement for how it feels in themselves rather than the results or the competition,” she said.Amy encourages Kiama to get involved in the 48 Hour Mission and looks forward to seeing the event on a “bigger community scale”, people can join The Girls Run Club pledge or make their own pledge.The 48 Hour Mission runs from 4pm 26 September to 4pm 28 September, more information about Pledge for the Planet can be found at their website www.pledgefortheplanet.org.The Girls Run Club welcomes new members of any ability or pace level.

Drug & Firearms Squad detectives have charged four men following the alleged theft of 40 firearms from a private property on the South Coast earlier this year.A property on Seascape Close in Narrawallee – about 3km north of Mollymook – was allegedly broken into and 40 firearms were stolen between 22-29 March.The stolen firearms were a collection of modern and collectible firearms which were stored at the property in various gun safes.South Coast Police officers were notified immediately and the matter was referred to State Crime Command’s Drug & Firearms Squad under Strike Force Coaldale.About 6.15am on Monday, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit, South West Metropolitan Region Operational Support Group, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and the Dog Unit – executed a search warrant in Cobbitty.During a search of the property, police located and seized two loaded firearms, 150 rounds of ammunition, six gel blasters, a hand grenade, electronic devices and clothing relevant to the investigation.Police arrested a 31-year-old man at the address who was taken to Camden Police Station, where he was charged with aggravated break & enter commit serious indictable offence-in company-steal etc >$60K, participate in a criminal group, and two counts of possess unauthorised firearm.The man was refused bail.It comes after three arrests earlier this year from strike force detectives.

More than 1000 anglers of all ages – from mums and dads and extended families to youth who love to drop a line – will take part in the inaugural Fish Reflections “catch and release” fishing competition this weekend.Registrations are still open in the debut Fish Reflections event on September 27-28, which has attracted anglers keen to fish sustainably at a location of their choice and have a crack at winning a prize, all while having fun with friends and family.More than 700 anglers have entered the seniors category alongside 230 juniors (Under 16s), with organisers confident more than 1000 entrants will be registered by the time the competition begins. Event director Michael Guest was thrilled to see so many anglers supporting a catch-and-release competition with entries flooding in from up and down the NSW Coast and popular inland fishing spots.“NSW boasts so many fantastic fishing locations – the best thing about an online-style competition is that you can fish at your favourite waterway and bring your mates and family, too,” he said.Reflections Holidays is running the event and CEO Nick Baker said they were thrilled with the scale of entries the inaugural event was attracting.“If you love fishing, you know that you may not even catch a fish during the competition but what matters most is spending time with loved ones and having fun, and of course fishing in a sustainable way that minimises impact on the environment,” he said.Earlier this year, Reflections, a Crown Land manager which cares for 47 community reserves, invested $1.1 million to assist the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to bring endangered native fish species back from the brink via repopulation programs.Minister for Lands and Property, Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper said recreational fishing is a great sport for people of all ages to relax and connect with nature.Entrants have the chance to win their category or perhaps get closest to the “mystery length” and be in the running to win a share in a prize pool that includes a 420 Busta tinnie valued at $23,990 and a four-night stay at a Reflections holiday park.